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Physiological correlates in migratory noctuids: the velvetbean caterpillar as a model*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

Abner M. Hammond  and
Howard W. Fescemyer
Abner M. Hammond*
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA
Howard W. Fescemyer
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA
*
†Department of Entomology, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Room 402 Life Sciences Bldg., Baton Rouge, LA 70803, U.S.A.
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Abstract

The effects of larval population density and food quality on the velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner, were compared with investigations of other migratory noctuids. Crowded larvae of the velvetbean caterpillar responded with: (1) an increase in the degree of dark pigmentation; (2) a decrease in larval, pupal and adult size; (3) a prolongation of the larval stage and a decrease in weight gain in the ultimate stadium; and (4) low juvenile hormone and juvenile hormone esterase haemolymph titres.

The effects of flight, throughout a 4 hr flight period, on the haemolymph titres and whole body contents of carbohydrate and lipid are presented for the velvetbean caterpillar and discussed relative to other noctuid moths. Total carbohydrate concentration decreased during the first 30–45 min of flight, and total fatty acid concentration increased during the first 30–60 min of flight, after which it declined and stabilized at preflight levels. Lipid reserves and the small amount of lipid depletion after long periods of flight indicated that velvetbean caterpillar adults are capable of making long distance movements in which lipid is the principal flight fuel.

Juvenile hormone regulated the effect of density on larval colour, size and growth rate. Applications of juvenile hormone to crowded larvae increased the proportion of the lighter (green), larger and faster developing phase. This hormone action suggests that the juvenile hormone titre of crowded larvae is lower than that of uncrowded larvae.

Genetic differentiation among populations of velvetbean caterpillars suggests that south-central United States populations originate from overwintering populations in Mexico or south Texas. A system has been developed, using pheromone-baited bucket-type traps, to investigate the population dynamics and migration of the velvetbean caterpillar in Louisiana and Texas.

Résumé

La qualité de la nourriture et la densité larvaire des populations d'Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner furent comparées avec celles d'autres noctuides migrateurs. Les larves provenant d'élevages à forte densité démontrent (1) une augmentation de la pigmentation foncée, (2) une réduction de la taille des larves, des pupes et des adultes, (3) un allongement de la période larvaire et une réduction de poids au dernier stade, et (4) de faibles concentrations d'hormone juvénile et d'estérase d'hormone juvénile dans l'hémolymphe.

Les effets d'un vol de quatre heures sur la concentration dans l'hémolymphe et le corps d'A. gemmatalis d'hydrate de carbone et de lipides sont présentés et discutés par rapport aux autres noctuides. La concentration totale en hydrate de carbone décroit au cours des 30–45 min de vol, et la concentration totale des corps gras augmente après les premiers 30–60 min de vol, puis décline et se stabilise aux niveaux prévols. Les réserves en lipides et la faible réduction des lipides suivant de longues périodes de vol indiquent que les adultes de A. gemmatalis sont capables de se déplacer sur de longues distances en utilisant les lipides comme principale source d'énergie.

L'hormone juvénile contrôle l'effet de la densité larvaire sur la couleur larvaire, la taille et le taux de croissance. L'application d'hormone juvénile sur les larves qui proviennent d'élevages de haute densité augmente la proportion de larves pâles (vertes), grosses et à développement rapide. L'action de cette hormone suggère que la concentration d'hormone juvénile chez les élevages de forte densité est plus faible que celles d'élevages à densité plus faible.

Les différences génétiques entre les populations d'A. gemmatalis suggèrent que les populations du centre sud des Etats-Unis originent de populations hivernantes du Mexique ou du sud du Texas. Un système utilisant les pièges à phéromones de type “seau” (Universal moth trap®) a été mis au point et permettra d'étudier la dynamique des populations et la migration d'A. gemmatalis en Louisiane et au Texas.

Keywords

Phase variationphase polymorphismjuvenile hormonedensityfood qualitymigrationnoctuidsmetabolismflight energeticsgeneticspheromonesbehaviourinsectslipidfatty acidvelvetbean caterpillar
Type
Symposium IV: Migration and Dispersal of Tropical Noctuid Moths
Information
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science , Volume 8 , Issue 4-5-6: Recent Advances in Research on Tropical Entomology , December 1987 , pp. 581 - 589
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1987

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Footnotes

*

Approved for publication by the Director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station as manuscript number 86-17-0111.

References

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