Abstract
1. Interactions between trees and tree-feeding insects are likely to shift under conditions of enriched atmospheric CO 2 owing to changes in foliar chemical composition. This study addressed the effects of CO 2 -mediated changes in leaf chemistry on performance of three silkmoth (Saturniidae) species: cecropia (Hyalophora cecropia), luna (Actias luna) and polyphemus (Antheraea polyphemus polyphemus). 2. Growth under elevated CO 2 atmospheres decreased nitrogen concentrations (23%) but tripled starch and doubled condensed tannin concentrations, resulting in a marked increase in foliar carbon:nitrogen ratio. 3. Survival of first stadium larvae was marginally reduced when reared on high CO 2 leaves. 4. Development rates were prolonged, growth rates tended to decline, consumption increased and food processing efficiencies decreased for fourth stadium larvae reared on high CO 2 leaves. The magnitude of responses varied among species. 5. Overall performance of these saturniid species, at least when feeding on birch, is predicted to decline under atmospheric CO 2 conditions anticipated for the next century
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