Original scientific paper
FOOD CONSUMPTION AND UTILISATION OF THE GRASSHOPPER CHROTOGONUS LUGUBRIS BLANCHARD (ORTHOPTERA, ACRIDOIDEA, PYRGOMORPHIDAE) AND ITS EFFECT ON THE EGG DEPOSITION
K. M. ABDEL RAHMAN
Abstract
The grasshopper is found all the year round. It is considered as a pest for seedlings. The consumption index
differed significantly between groups fed on different diets. Mated females consume more food than virgin
females or virgin males. The highest values were recorded for the bean seedlings fed groups indicating some
inadequacy in the nutritional value of bean. The growth rate was the highest in clover fed groups. Insects were
able to digest bean and clover more efficiently than either wheat seedlings or cotton leaves. The growth rate
was accompanied with a higher C.I. in bean, wheat, and cotton indicating that most of these food was excreted.
The ECD and ECI were significantly higher in clover fed groups. This indicated that clover was utilised
efficiently than the other groups. The different food stuff affected the egg production which could be attributed
to the nutritional efficiencies of these diets. The preovipositional period and number of egg-pods were also
affected. The number of abnormal egg-pods was the highest in the bean seedlings fed groups.
Keywords
Acrididae; locust; diet; growth rate; egg production
Hrčak ID:
16025
URI
Publication date:
21.3.2002.
Visits: 1.738 *