Determining Response of Insects to Radiation by Continuous Monitoring of Their Carbon Dioxide Output1

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Abstract
A respiration monitoring technique, utilizing an infrared (IR) carbon dioxide analyzer, was developed for measuring insect response to periodic stimuli and was used to determine relative responses of the adult European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyraustidae), to bands of ultraviolet (UV), visible, and IR radiation, with wavelengths ranging from 0.313 to 15 ü. Carbon dioxide production of the insects was continuously monitored as they were subjected to a single, narrow band of UV or visible radiation or a wide band of IR radiation for 5 minutes every 30 minutes, over a 20-hour period. The technique successfully detected physical responses to the radiation stimuli. Response data were recorded automatically with a data acquisition system and processed by computer. Strongest responses were obtained for the near UV and shorter wavelength visible bands. Responses were weak for bands in the orange region but were, surprisingly, moderately strong in the red region. No responses were obtained for the IR radiation bands.

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