The Effects of Population Density on the Incidence of Developmental Deformities in Chemosensory Organs of Tobacco Hornworm Larvae (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae)

Journal of Insect Science
Frank HansonAlexander Bohorquez

Abstract

Cultures of Manduca sexta Johanssen in our laboratory were found to have larvae with missing or deformed mouthparts or antennae. Hypothesizing that these developmental deformities were caused by crowded rearing conditions, we reared larvae in four different population densities and recorded the incidence (% of larvae affected) and types of chemoreceptor deformities. Results showed that the incidence of these deformities was directly proportional to larval population density. Deformities of the maxilla and palp were the most frequent, followed by those of the antenna, epipharynx and maxillary styloconica. Life history traits of larval mass, food consumption, and rate of development were inversely related to larval density for both normal and deformed larvae. We discuss possible causes and mechanisms of these deformities and of changes to life history traits.

References

Aug 31, 1999·Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology·H A Woods, J G Kingsolver
Sep 25, 2003·Cell·Julien ColombaniPierre Léopold
Mar 25, 2009·Journal of Comparative Physiology. A, Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology·John I GlendinningMeelu Rai
Jan 1, 2007·Journal of Insect Science·Marc Rowley, Frank Hanson
Mar 7, 2012·Medical and Veterinary Entomology·B W AltoR L Lampman
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Apr 1, 2018·Current Opinion in Insect Science·Takashi Koyama, Christen K Mirth
Jul 22, 2019·Current Opinion in Insect Science·Amir Ayali

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
dissecting
scanning electron microscopy

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