Some Physiological Relationships of the Female European Corn Borer Moth in Controlled Environments1

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Abstract
In tests on Pyrausta nubilalis temp. was controlled in small closed jars within which the humidity was regulated by means of water or KOH solns. of varying specific gravities. The avg. water content of 12 females was 50.7%. The heaviest moths deposited the greatest number of eggs. The moth requires water to drink but probably does not possess any quantity of the enzymes necessary for the digestion of proteins and cane sugars. A temp. of 85[degree]F and a relative humidity of 96% were optimum for the ovipositing moth. In this environment 22 females deposited an avg. of 823 eggs. Moths kept at 70[degree] or 80[degree]F and R. H. of 96, 50, and 20% laid from 495 to 758 eggs each. However, at only 5% R. H. the mean number of eggs dropped to 136. The data indicated that humidity in itself seldom affects oviposi-tion under usual field conditions. Infertile eggs generally appeared late in the life of the mated ovipositing moth. Usually 90% of the eggs were laid during the first 10 days of life. Sudden changes in temp. had less adverse effect than expected on total egg deposition and longevity. Weight was lost daily by the ovipositing moth provided with drinking water.

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