THE EFFECT OF INGESTED RADIOPHOSPHORUS ON EGG PRODUCTION AND EMBRYO SURVIVAL IN THE WASP HABROBRACON,,

Abstract

Changes in the eggs produced per day and in the hatchability thereof are reported for virgin females given one feeding of honey containing P32 at radioactivities ranging from slightly above 10 up to nearly 1500 [mu]c/g. fed. Ingestion capacity is about 0.5 cu. mm. Egg laying was halted above 200 [mu]c/g. Below that dosage eggs were produced throughout life but at a depressed rate during the middle period. The viability of eggs produced through the first 2/3 of life is correlated with dosage. During the senescent period no significant differences in hatchability were obtained among the fewer and fewer eggs laid. Radio-resistance of adults was apparent in that exptl. animals lived as long as or longer than controls even at the highest dosages.