Water content, weight change, and activity of apterous and alate virginoparous Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Changes in weight, water content and activity of alate and apterous virginoparous A. pisum (Harris) were observed during development from 3rd instar larvae to mature adults. Apterous aphids gained weight steadily until the 4th day of adulthood, and showed no dramatic changes in activity during this period. The live weights of alate aphids decreased 24 h immediately following the final molt, but increased gradually after this time. The onset of weight loss occurred before the active nonfeeding period during which dispersal would normally take place. Recommencement of weight gain followed the resumption of feeding. After the adult molt, the water content of alatae expressed as a percentage of live weight decreased for 24 h, whereas that of apterae remained constant. During the next 24 h, the water content of alatae increased to a level slightly below that of apterae. Both morphs maintained a constant water content util about the 5th day, when a slight increase was evident. Of the weight loss of adult alatae, 85% is attributable to water loss. Dehydration of newly molted adult alatae is an adaptation to facilitate dispersive flight.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: