First-instar Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Response to Carbon Dioxide

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Abstract
Responses of first-instar western corn rootworm to CO2 and N2 gas gradients were studied in a laboratory test arena. Number of larvae reaching the gas source, number of turns toward and away from the gas source, larval velocity, and number of turns per cm traveled were recorded. Larvae exhibited a positive chemotactic response to CO2 but not N2 or air. There was no indication that a kinesis of any type was involved because velocities and turning rates were not significantly different among treatments. Results indicate that newly hatched larve may use CO2 to locate corn roots.