INDUCTION AND AVERSION-LEARNING IN POLYPHAGOUS ARCTIID LARVAE (LEPIDOPTERA) IN AN ECOLOGICAL SETTING

Abstract

AbstractInduction and aversion-learning are two kinds of behavior modification that depend upon ingestion for their effect. Both have previously been demonstrated in laboratory experiments. The polyphagous, ground dwelling larvae of the arctiid Diacrisia virginica Fabr. have now been shown to experience these two kinds of behavior modification in the field under natural conditions. The adaptive value of aversion-learning is self-evident. The adaptive value of induction is obscure. Evidence is presented here showing that induction overcomes hierarchical specificity before the level of deprivation becomes critical. As a consequence, plants low in the hierarchy of acceptability become fully rather than marginally acceptable, thus minimizing interruptions in feeding. Interruption is known to engender deleterious physiological responses.