Larval crowding effects during early development in the Chinese oak silkmoth Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae).

Abstract

Chinese sericulture relies in part on the rearing of the Chinese oak silkmoth Antheraea pernyi, an insect with key cultural and ecological roles. While feeding primarily on oak, Antheraea species are known to accept alternative hosts such as birch Betula sp with little to no apparent negative fitness consequences. This opens up the range of hostplants that could be used for large‐scale rearing of A. pernyi for silk production and food, or used by this species in possible invasions. To date, however, the natural history and ecology of A. pernyi remain subject of investigation. For instance, we still do not know how individuals respond to crowding developmental environments, which is an important factor to consider for the ecology of the species as well as for commercial rearing. Here, I describe the implications of larval crowding to the survival and growth of A. pernyi larvae during early development. I show that higher crowding is associated with stronger negative effects on growth and survival, corroborating findings from other holometabolous insects. I then discuss the implications of this findings for our understanding of optimum larval crowding. Overall, the findings reveal important ecological information for an insect species key for provisioning and cultural ecosystem services.