Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (1969) 12, 509-523

G.B. Mulkern (1969)
Behavioral influences on food selection in grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 12 (5), 509-523
Abstract: Factors that directly or indirectly influence Acrididae in the selection of host plants are reviewed, and some original experiments (mainly with Melanoplus) are reported. General undirected activity was enhanced by favourable temperature, humidity and illumination. Positive phototactic responses were elicited by directed illumination, colour and visual patterns. Orientation to stimuli from food materials generally took place only after contact had been made with the mouthparts. Discrimination between various plant extracts incorporated into an artificial diet carrier was demonstrated. Grasshoppers presented with an array of artificial diets selected resting sites independent of food location. It is suggested that the feeding behaviour of grasshoppers will cause them to remain in areas of favourable host plants through a general type of orthokinesis.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied from Acridological Abstracts with permission by NRI, Univ. of Greenwich at Medway.)
Link to article at publishers website

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Melanoplus (genus)