Energy balance in Periplaneta americana L.

Abstract

1. 1. Energy extraction and conversion efficiencies were investigated at 20°, 29° and 35°C with protein and carbohydrate diets in Periplaneta americana L. 2. 2. Energy extraction efficiency was found to be independent of temperature and sex, but was dependent on quantity of food below a critical food level of 90 mg/g animal per day. 3. 3. Conversion efficiency was temperature and food dependent. 4. 4. While carbohydrate conversion showed positive relation to food input, a negative relationship was recorded for protein conversion.