EFFECTS OF STARVATION ON LARVAE OF THE PALE WESTERN CUTWORM, AGROTIS ORTHOGONIA MORR. (LEPIDOPTERA: PHALAENIDAE)

Abstract

All larval instars of the pale western cutworm, Agrotis orthogonia Morr., were starved for varying periods at 10°, 15°, 20°, and 25 °C. Mortality curves indicated varying individual susceptibility or resistance to starvation. The time required for 100% mortality varied inversely with temperature and directly with size of larvae. The rate of mortality of newly hatched larvae whether fed or unfed was nearly the same at all temperatures. Application of the findings to recommended control practices is discussed.