Induced Lethargy and the Radiation Control of Insects1

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Abstract
The longevity of heavily irradiated female wasps was detd. in the presence of food (pre-stung host caterpillars) as well as under starvation conditions. An increase in life span of irradiated adult wasps was found only under starvation conditions and is explained by the inactivity of the treated insects. This lethargy is induced at a much lower dose than that required to cause prompt adult death but exceeds dose levels which sterilize adults and kill all immature stages. Therefore, if the presence of adult insects is not objectionable, the induction of non-feeding lethargy may be a more feasible technical approach to insect control than quick-killing exposures. It seems likely that the nervous system may be more sensitive to irradiation than has been deduced from morphological studies.

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