Growth of Larvae of the House Longhorn Beetle (Hylotrupes bajulus L.) in Constant Conditions

Abstract

The logarithmic growth curve of three larvae and log weight of excrements were linear till 200 mg larval weight (1000 times weight increase). At 300 mg larval growth ceased after nine moults, but eating continued. After cooling one pupated and the others went on eating without gaining weight. Monthly samples of a larger population gave a similar growth curve. Initial weights and clutch belonging influenced individual variation only a little. Larval dry weight and fat content changed rapidly when growth decelerated logarithmically. Within age groups larval weight was normally strictly proportional to consumption. Economy