Starvation tolerance of Eumeta miniscula Butler and Mahasena aurea (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Psychidae)

Abstract

The starvation tolerance of bagworm moths, Eumeta miniscula Butler and Mahasena aurea (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Psychidae), was evaluated. The survival rate of E. miniscula larvae was 100% at 25°C for the first 11 days of starvation conditions. More than 50% of individuals had died after 18 days, and all individuals had died after 35 days. Under the starvation conditions at 15°C, the survival rate was 100% for the first 4 days. After 56 days, more than 50% of individuals had died, and all individuals had died after 102 days. The mean survival periods at 25°C and 15°C were 15.3 days and 53.2 days, respectively. For M. aurea larvae, the survival rate was 100% at 25°C for the first 7 days of starvation conditions. More than 50% of individuals had died after 13 days, and all individuals had died after 18 days. At 15°C, the survival rate was 100% for the first 15 days. After 25 days, more than 50% of individuals had died, and all individuals had died after 45 days. The mean survival periods at 25°C and 15°C were 11.6 days and 24.5 days, respectively.