THE ROLE OF LIPID IN THE NUTRITION OF THE HOUSE CRICKET, ACHETA DOMESTICUS L. (ORTHOPTERA: GRYLLIDAE)

Abstract

Experiments were carried out to determine the active principle(s) in wheat-germ oil responsible for the reproductive effect exerted by this substance on the house cricket, Acheta domesticus L., and also to investigate the physiological effects of the substance(s). The active principle is vitamin E. It exerts an absolute effect on the last nymphal stadium of the male, but the female appears to be unaffected. Spermatogenic activity is disrupted in the absence of the vitamin, resulting in drastic reduction or a total absence of sperm cells in the testes. Withholding the vitamin from insects causes the preoviposition period to be lengthened and fewer eggs to be laid.