THE IMPORTANCE OF DRY PLANT MATERIAL IN THE DIET OF THE GRASSHOPPER MELANOPLUS SANGUINIPES (ORTHOPTERA: ACRIDIDAE)

Abstract

AbstractDiets of fresh wheat foliage, rye, or lettuce had to be supplemented with dried wheat leaves, bran, or a dry alfalfa mix to obtain adequate growth and reproduction in the grasshopper Melanoplus sanguinipes (Fabr.). It was concluded that the high water content of fresh plant material makes it necessary for this insect to supplement its diet with dry vegetable material and that this may account for the success of toxic bran baits under field conditions.