CHANGES IN THE LIPID AND NITROGEN CONTENT DURING POSTEMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT OF PSEUDALETIA UNIPUNCTA (LEPIDOPTER A: NOCTUIDAE)

Abstract

AbstractChanges were recorded in dry matter content and in the metabolism of lipids and nitrogen during the postembryonic development of Pseudaletia unipuncta (Haw.) on corn. The study revealed that 22 to 24% of the lipids were used during moulting and pupal–adult transformation and that nitrogen was not lost during such periods. The coefficient of apparent utilization of nitrogen remained more or less constant; however, that of lipids decreased with larval development. No significant difference was evident in the relationship between lipid consumption and weight gain, and nitrogen consumption and weight gain during larval development. A direct linear relationship was obtained between nitrogen and lipid utilization during all instars. In terms of heterauxesis, the accumulation of lipids during larval development was opposed to that of nitrogen.