Scholarlink

<p>Drepanidae caterpillars exhibit vibratory communication and variability in social behaviors within and between species, offering an excellent opportunity to test hypotheses on the function and evolution of vibratory communication and sociality in juvenile insects using comparative methods. Critical for conducting such studies is understanding morphological and behavioral traits&#xa0;across ontogeny. Here, we examine <i>Falcaria bilineata</i> to identify the number of developmental stages and their durations, as well as to characterize and distinguish their morphological and behavioral changes throughout development. Seven immature stages were identified: egg, five larval instars, and pupa, with a development time of ~ 45&#xa0;days from egg to pupation. Five instars were confirmed by counting head capsules. Head width showed a geometric increase between instars, consistent with Dyar's rule, thus confirming its reliability as an indicator of the instar. Morphological traits in head capsule shape and tubercles also help to distinguish instars. Feeding patterns transitioned from early instar leaf skeletonization to later instar leaf cutting. No group formation was observed, suggesting a lack of sociality. All instars lay silk mats, but no shelters were observed. Caterpillars rested in an arched position. Notably, all five instars generated vibratory signals. Fifth instars construct silk cocoons and remain inside until pupation. Pupae are covered by powdery white bloom in their cocoons and may emerge in two weeks or after overwintering. Our findings advance the understanding of life history and ontogenetic changes in <i>F. bilineata</i>, laying the groundwork for comparative studies into the mechanisms of social behavior and communication in larval insects.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Warty Birch Caterpillar, Falcaria bilineata (Drepanidae): Ontogenetic Changes in Morphology and Behavior

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月30日

查看全文
  • Leonardo M. Turchen,
  • Jayne E. Yack

摘要

Drepanidae caterpillars exhibit vibratory communication and variability in social behaviors within and between species, offering an excellent opportunity to test hypotheses on the function and evolution of vibratory communication and sociality in juvenile insects using comparative methods. Critical for conducting such studies is understanding morphological and behavioral traits across ontogeny. Here, we examine Falcaria bilineata to identify the number of developmental stages and their durations, as well as to characterize and distinguish their morphological and behavioral changes throughout development. Seven immature stages were identified: egg, five larval instars, and pupa, with a development time of ~ 45 days from egg to pupation. Five instars were confirmed by counting head capsules. Head width showed a geometric increase between instars, consistent with Dyar's rule, thus confirming its reliability as an indicator of the instar. Morphological traits in head capsule shape and tubercles also help to distinguish instars. Feeding patterns transitioned from early instar leaf skeletonization to later instar leaf cutting. No group formation was observed, suggesting a lack of sociality. All instars lay silk mats, but no shelters were observed. Caterpillars rested in an arched position. Notably, all five instars generated vibratory signals. Fifth instars construct silk cocoons and remain inside until pupation. Pupae are covered by powdery white bloom in their cocoons and may emerge in two weeks or after overwintering. Our findings advance the understanding of life history and ontogenetic changes in F. bilineata, laying the groundwork for comparative studies into the mechanisms of social behavior and communication in larval insects.