A sensitive period for larval gustatory learning influences subsequent oviposition choice by the cabbage looper moth

Ikkei Shikano, Murray B. Isman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

We examined the effects of larval feeding experience with a deterrent plant latex on subsequent adult oviposition behaviour in the cabbage looper moth, Trichoplusia ni. Larvae were exposed to the latex of Hoodia gordonii at 100 ppm in an artificial diet. This plant material strongly deters oviposition in naïve moths in laboratory choice tests. Larvae that were exposed to the latex either for their entire final instar or throughout larval development showed no oviposition deterrence. This effect persisted when larval exposure to H. gordonii latex was suspended for the final 2 days immediately prior to pupation. However, when exposure to latex was suspended for 1 or more days in the beginning of the final instar or for 3 or more days prior to pupation, oviposition behaviour was deterred in subsequent adult moths (i.e. the adults behaved as naïve moths). Our observation that adult oviposition choice can be influenced by a change in diet in the final larval instar indicates the presence of a sensitive period whereby larval feeding memory can be lost or maintained in adulthood.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)247-251
Number of pages5
JournalAnimal Behaviour
Volume77
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2009

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Animal Science and Zoology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A sensitive period for larval gustatory learning influences subsequent oviposition choice by the cabbage looper moth'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this