Abstract
Feeding preferences in naive first instar and penultimate-final instar bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis)larvae were investigated using two choice tests. Naive first instar larvae showed a general (though not exclusive) preference for black willow (Salix nigra)over other hosts tested, regardless of the host of origin. Penultimate-final instar larvae showed strong preferences for the previous rearing host, suggesting induction of host preference; there was no evidence of host origin effects. The ability to discriminate among hosts is important if it is actually used to make host choices based on host quality. In bagworms, where host choices (if any) must be made by larvae in habitats where several hosts are often present, host discriminatory ability is likely important.
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Ward, K.E., Ramaswamy, S.B. & Nebeker, T.E. Feeding preferences and their modification in early and late instar larvae of the bagworm,Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Lepidoptera: Psychidae). J Insect Behav 3, 785–795 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01065966
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01065966