Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-gbm5v Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-27T06:21:22.010Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Some aspects of the biology, foraging and defensive behaviour of the emperor moth caterpillar, Cirina forda (Westwood)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

Adeolu T. Ande  and
Joshua O. Fasoranti
Adeolu T. Ande
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
Joshua O. Fasoranti*
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
*
E-mail: lambo@ilorin.skannet.com
Get access

Abstract

Larvae of Cirina forda (Westwood) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), a popular food insect in the southern parts of Nigeria were raised in the laboratory on cut foliage as well as on a growing Vittelaria paradoxa tree at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Comparative observations were made on the insect's biology and behaviour in both rearing systems in order to ascertain if the larvae could be reared in captivity on cut foliage. Egg eclosión began 24–48 hours after egg-laying and lasted 10 days. First instars initially aggregated after egg hatch, then migrated in single file to feed after approximately 12 hours after emergence. The first and second instars fed as an aggregate, while the third and subsequent instars fed separately. The first two instars did not exhibit any defensive response when disturbed, but the subsequent four instars emitted a green fluid which may act as a repellant to potential predators. High mortalities were suffered by the first and the penultimate instars. Results have shown that Cirina larvae could be easily reared artificially on V. paradoxa to serve as source of food for humans.

Résumé

Les chenilles de Cirina forda (Westwood) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), couramment consommées au sud du Nigéria, furent élevées au laboratoire, sur des feuilles coupées ainsi que sur un arbre en pleine croissance de Vittelaria paradoxa, à l'Université d'llorin au Nigéria. Des observations comparatives furent menées sur la biologie et le comportement de l'insecte dans les deux systèmes d'élevage, afin de vérifier si les larves pouvaient être élevées en captivité sur feuilles coupées. L'éclosion des oeufs a commencé de 24 à 48 heures après la ponte et a duré 10 jours. Les larves du premier stade restaient initialement regroupées ensemble après l'éclosion des oeufs, puis 12 heures approximativement après émergence, elles se déplaçaient en une seule file, à la recherche de la nourriture. Les premier et deuxième stades larvaires n'ont pas fait preuve de réaction défensive une fois perturbés. Par contre, les larves de 4me stade émettaient un liquide vert qui servirait à repousser des ennemis éventuels. Une haute mortalité était enregistrée chez les premier et avant-dernier stades larvaires.

Keywords

Cirina fordaVittelaria paradoxadevelopmental biologyforaging and defensive behaviourCirina fordadéveloppement biologiquealimentationattitude défensive
Type
Research Articles
Information
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science , Volume 18 , Issue 3 , September 1998 , pp. 177 - 181
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1998

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Ande, A. T. (1991) Some aspects of the biology of Cirina forda Westwood (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). Unpublished PhD Thesis, Department of Biological Sciences, University of llorin, llorin, Nigeria.Google Scholar
Ande, A. T. and Fasoranti, J. O.(1997) Life history notes for the pallid emperor moth on Cirina forda Westwood (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) in Nigeria, J. Lepid. Soc. Amer. 51, 269–271.Google Scholar
Boorman, J. P. T. (1970) The emperor moth (Saturniidae) of Nigeria. Nigerian Field 35, 99–122.Google Scholar
Capinera, J. L. (1980) A trail pheromone from silk produced by larvae of the range caterpillar Hemileuna oliviae (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) an observation on aggregatory behaviour, J. Chem. Ecol. 6, 655–664.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dixon, W. J. and Massey, F. J. (1969) Introduction to Statistical Analysis. McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York. 638 pp.Google Scholar
Evans, D. L. (1984) Ethiology of defense in the aposematic caterpillar Papilie mechaon Syriacus (Papilionidae). J. Lepid. Soc. Amer. 38, 194–201.Google Scholar
Fasoranti, J. O. and Ajiboye, D. O. (1993) Some edible insects of Kwara State, Nigeria. American Entomologist 39, 113–116.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Nassig, W. A. and Peigler, R. S. (1984) The life history of Actias menas (Saturniidae). J. Lepia. Soc. Amer. 38, 114–123.Google Scholar
Piper, G. L. and Mulford, B. L. (1984) Observation on the bionomics of Heliothis phyloxiphaga (Noctuidae) on cluster tarweed in Southeastern Washington, J. Lepid. Soc. Amer. 38, 310–316.Google Scholar
Stamp, N. E. (1984) Foraging behaviour of tawny emperor caterpillars Astericampa clyton (Nymphalidae). J. Lepid. Soc. Amer. 8, 186–191.Google Scholar
Stone, S. E., Swift, D. E. and Peigler, R. S. (1988) The life history of Hemilenca magnifica (Saturniidae) with notes on Hesmileuca Itera marcata, J. Res. Lepid. 26, 225–235.CrossRefGoogle Scholar