Abstract
Early instars of Zonocerus variegatus fed on most weeds, but preferred those in the families Euphorbiaceae and Solanaceae. Plants that were accepted initially were lesser consumed than later chosen ones. Although there was no apparent difference between weights of nymphs fed on cassava and other plants in the first 9 weeks; thereafter, cassava fed insects excelled others. Somatic growth was not affected by feed type.
Résumé
De jeunes stades de Zonocerus Variegatus se sont nourris de la plupart des herbes mais ont préféré celles appartenant aux familles Euphorbiaceae et Solanaceae. Les plantes qui étaient acceptées initialement furent moins consommées que celles choisies. Bien qu’il n’y eut apparemment auchune différence entre les poids des nymphes nourries au manioc et a d’autres plantes au cours des neuf premières semaines, les insectes nourris au manioc étaient de loin mieux portants que les autres. La croissance somatique n’était pas affectée par le type d’alimentation.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Anonymous (1974) Control of Zonocerus variegalus L. in Nigeria. Second interim report. Ministry of Overseas Development/University of Ibadan (ODM Research Scheme R272), pp. 15–48.
Anya A. O (1973) Ecology of the variegated grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus (Orthoptera; Acridoidea; Pyrgomorphidae) on the Nsukka Plateau, Nigeria. Entomologia, exp. appl. 16, 64–76.
Bernays E. A., Chapman R. F., Cook A. G., McVeigh L. J. and Page W. W. (1975) Food plants in the survival and development of Zonocerus variegatus (L.). Acrida 4, 33–45.
Bernays E. A., Chapman R. F., Leather E. M., McCuffery A. R. and Modder W. W. D. (1977) The relationship of Zonocerus variegatus (L.) (Acridoidea: Pyrgomorphidae) with cassava (Manihot esculenta). Bull. ent. Res. 67, 391–404.
Golding F. D. (1948) The Acrididae (Orthoptera) of Nigeria. Trans. R. ent. Soc. Lond. 99, 517–587.
Hsiao T. H. and Fraenkel G. (1968) Selection and specificity of the Colorado potato beetle for solanaceous and non-solanaceous plants. Ann. ent. Soc. Am. 61, 493–503.
Iheagwam E. U. (1979) Host plant effects on fecundity and adult survival of Zonocerus variegatus (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae). Revue Zool. afr. 39, 760–765.
Jerath M. L. (1965) Notes on the biology of Zonocerus variegatus L. from eastern Nigeria. Revue Zool. Bot. afr. 72, 243–251.
Kaufmann T. (1965) Observation on aggregation, migration and feeding habits of Zonocerus variegatus in Ghana. Ann. ent. Soc. Am. 58, 426–436.
Libby J. L. (1968) Insect pests of Nigerian crops. University of Wis. Res. Bull. Vol. 269.
McCaffery A. R., Cook A. G. and Perfect J. J. (1978) Utilization of food by Zonocerus variegatus (L.) (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae). Bull. ent. Res. 68, 589–606.
Modder W. W. D. and Singh S. R. (1976) Utilization of cassava, Manihot esculenta, in the laboratory by the later instars of the African grasshopper, Zonocerus variegatus (L.) (Acridoidea: Pyrgomorphidae). Revue Zool. afr. 90, 417–430.
Thorsteinson A. J. (1960) Host selection in phytophagous insects. A. Rev. Ent. 5, 193–218.
Toye S. A. (1971) Notes on the biology of Zonocerus variegatus (L.) (Orthoptera, Acridoidea) in the Western State of Nigeria. Revue Zool. Bot. afr. 48, 384–392.
Toye S. A. (1974) Feeding and locomotry activities of Zonocerus variegatus (L.) (Orthoptera: Acridoidea). Revue Zool. afr. 66, 205–212.
Youdeowei A. (1974) The dissection of the variegated grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus (L.). Oxford University Press, Ibadan. Thesis.
Zar J. H. (1974) Biostatistical Analysis. Prentice-Hall, New York.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Fasoranti, J.O., Olagunju, O.M. Food Selection by the Variegated Grasshopper, Zonocerus variegatus, L.. Int J Trop Insect Sci 6, 681–685 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400002903
Received:
Revised:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400002903