Changes in the Fat and Protein Content of the African Migratory Locust,Locusta migratoria migratorioides(R. & F.)

Abstract

The process of build-up of reserve substances in Locusta migratoria migratorioides (R. & F.) is very closely correlated with the feeding activity of the insect. Locusts attain their maximum body weight in the initial period before maturation. In the females there is one minor build-up period after each laying.As measured by the weight of faeces produced, the gregaria female consumes more food than the solitaria during development. It also has a lower rate of increase in body weight, maturation and oviposition.Locusts start to build up fat soon after the final ecdysis. The fat content reaches its maximum in the early part of adult life, and then begins to decline in both sexes of both phases.By far the greater part of the fat reserve thus built up in the gregaria female is used up before oviposition, and only a small amount goes to the making of the first egg-pod. The fat of the subsequent egg-pods (of both phases) is derived from the fat built up each time after a new egg-pod is laid.The solitaria females may mature their eggs at various stages in the development of the fat body. Those which have a longer pre-maturation period have a higher fat content.