Abstract
An analysis of the host plant relationships with respect to the red pumpkin beetle,Raphidopalpa foveicollis Lucas is presented based on the role of receptors involved in host selection, the quantitative food utilization on different cucurbitaceous host plants and the biochemical parameters involved in food plant selection. Orientation of the beetles towards the host plants appeared to be profoundly affected when the receptors present on the antennae and mouthparts were ablated or coated. Though significant differences were observed with regard to the quantity of food ingested among different host plants, ingestion of food was higher for mature leaves and flowers compared to young and senescent leaves. Accordingly, mature leaves and flowers showed high nitrogen and proteins, low sugars, moderately high phenols and narrowC/N ratio compared to other plant parts. The chemosensory receptors present on the antennae and mouthparts were also studied using scanning electron microscope.
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