Trenching Behavior of the Cucumber Looper, Anadevidia peponis (FAB.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Cucurbit Host Plants

Abstract

Trenching behavior of the cucumber looper, Anadevidia peponis was observed in relation to: avoidance of cucurbitacin, counteradaptions to sticky phloem sap, and cryptic feeding behavior. Trenching behavior differed significantly with larval age. Compared to leaves in the field, undamaged leaves with cut stems received significantly less surface trenching regardless of reinforcement of leaves with paper strips. The amount of phloem sap exuded from cut petioles decreased with time after severing the stem. These results suggest that A. peponis has advanced trenching behavior counteradaptions to cucurbit phloem sap.