Behaviour and food plants of the Amphipyra larvae (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)

Abstract

Larval movement, falling and motionless posture (reaction to the stimulus) of the Japanese Amphipyra species were observed. Only the first instar larva of A. livida swung the anterior half of body before crawling, and was more responsive to the vibrating stimulus than other species. Some host plants of larvae were recorded for the first time, and larva of livida showed a tendency to be adaptive as a feeder of herbal plants.