The Effect of Visible Spectrum Irradiation on Growth and Development in Several Species of Insects1

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Abstract
German cockroach nymphs (Blattella germanica (L.)), large milkweed bug nymphs (Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dall.)) and adult spotted alfalfa aphids (Therioaphis maculata (Buckton)) were exposed daily for short periods to several areas of the visible spectrum. Daily exposures of cockroaches to light indicated that the longer wave lengths of light may interfere with normal growth. As the daily exposure time was increased, the life span and the mean weights decreased. Daily exposure of the milkweed bugs to the longer wave lengths resulted in an increased maturation period, decreased adult weights, and fewer nymphs reaching the adult stage. Tests with the spotted alfalfa aphid indicated that short daily exposures to the longer wave lengths of light resulted in the birth of fewer nymphs over a period of several months experimentation. Consideration was given to the mechanism responsible for such growth inhibition.

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