A Meridic Artificial Diet as a Supporting Meal for Locusta migratoria Rearing

Abstract

A meridic artificial diet, including whole milk powder, wheat bran, maize leaf powder, and sucrose as the main nutrients, was tested for rearing Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera: Acrididae). When locusts were supplied with only the artificial diet over their entire life cycle, a second generation was not produced. The same result was observed when the diet was supplied daily and fresh maize leaves were supplied every other day. However, when the diet and fresh maize leaves were supplied alternately every other day, four generations of L. migratoria were produced. Fecundity in adults reared with the alternating diet was higher than that in adults supplied with both the diet and maize leaves daily. These results indicate that this artificial diet could be used as a supplementary food for rearing of L. migratoria.