Food energy expenditure by the moth Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera, Lymantriidae) at different stages of ontogenesis

Abstract

Food energy expenditures by gypsy moth at different developmental stages under conditions of feeding on larch needles are described. The distribution of total food energy (%) for metabolism, the formation of exuvia (throughout ontogeny), and the formation of an adult insect is assessed. The proportion of food energy lost with excrements over the entire period of feeding is the same (58%) in females and males. The assimilated part of food energy is distributed differently: energy expenditures for the formation of exuvia and adult insects are greater in females than in males. The proportion of food energy expended for metabolism throughout the insect life span is approximately 30% in both females and males.