Some Effects of Oxygen on the Insects Anagasta kuehniella and Tenebrio molitor

Abstract

The effects of oxygen at increased partial pressures upon the development and oxygen consumption of larvae and pupae of Anagasta kuehniella and Tenebrio molitor were studied. Anagasta pupae exposed to 15 psi or more of oxygen are prevented from emerging as adults. For 15 psi of oxygen, developmert of the pupae to the adult stage continues within the pupal skin but most of these remain entrapped within the pupal skin. Pupae exposed to 30 psi or more of oxygen may become paralyzed and show a marked and irreversible decrease in oxygen consumption. Most of the Tenebrio pupae exposed to 120 psi of oxygen show a marked and irreversible decrease in oxygen consumption and an inability to become pigmented. Paralysis and inability to pigment are correlated with and, probably a consequence of, decreased oxygen consumption. Most of the Tenebrio pupae exposed to 60 psi of oxygen become pigmented but do not develop to the adult stage and emerge. Both larvae and pupae are injured by oxygen and by x rays. Larvae however are more oxygen resistant and radiation sensitive than pupae. The oxygen consumption of pupae is not decreased by exposure to 50,000 r. These differences indicate that different mechanisms ofmore » actions are involved in injury by oxygen and by x rays. (auth)« less