Effects of rearing density on larval growth and activity of digestive enzymes in Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

• Authors: J. Lazarevic , V. Peric-Mataruga , M. Vlahovic , M. Mrdakovic , D. Cvetanovic
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

Density dependent responses of 4th, 5th and 6th instar gypsy moth larvae were studied at the level of larval mass, midgut loading and activities of three digestive enzymes (alpha-amylase, trypsin and leucine aminopeptidase). High density significantly reduced larval mass while midgut loading (expressed as relative midgut mass) did not change except in the 5th instar where it was increased at high density. Specific amylase and leucine aminopeptidase activities were not affected by crowding. Specific trypsin activity was on average higher in crowded than in isolated larvae. High density also affected the correlations between midgut protein content and activities of two proteolytic enzymes suggesting differences in regulatory mechanisms of insect digestion. The importance of these changes for survival under stressful conditions is discussed.

Keywords

EN

DENSITY; DIGESTIVE ENZYME; FITNESS; LYMANTRIA DISPAR

Discipline

• EXPERIMENTAL_BIOLOGY_&_MEDICINE: EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY & MEDICINE

• Publisher: Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences
• Journal: Folia Biologica
• Year: 2004
• Volume: 52
• Issue: 1-2
• Pages: 105-112

Contributors

author

J. Lazarevic

author

V. Peric-Mataruga

author

M. Vlahovic

author

M. Mrdakovic

author

D. Cvetanovic

• Document Type: ARTICLE
• Publication order reference: Jelica Lazarevic, Institute for Biological Research 'Sinisa Stankovi?', 29 Novembra 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro