Food consumption rates in Scotussa lemniscata (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Melanoplinae) under controlled conditions

Abstract

The Melanoplinae Scotussa lemniscata (Stål), is considered a pest grasshopper of the Pampa region grasslands of Argentina. The goal of this study was to estimate the consumption rates of males and females S. lemniscata as fifth-instar nymphs and adults under controlled conditions (30ºC, 14L:10D, 40% RH). The consumption trials were carried out using the perennial grass Festuca arundinacea (Schreber) (Poaceae) as food source. The study of these aspects is necessary to determine its current pest status more accurately. Consumption rates differed according to sex and stage of development. These where higher in the pre-reproductive adult stage vs. fifth-instar nymphs for both sexes. Additionally, adult females consumed significantly more (118.81 ± 9.41 mg/day) than the rest of individuals. The consumption of adult males and fifth-instar females was similar. Knowledge on consumption rates could contribute to the development of effective sustainable population management strategies.