Temperature dependence of feeding behaviour in the mopane worm (Lepidoptera)

摘要

Foraging activity by the caterpillars of Imbrasia belina [Gonimbrasia belina] was related to temperature in the laboratory and then these data were used to predict foraging activity from temperature in the field in Northern Province, South Africa, in March 1995. Predictions were poor when based on shade temperature, better when based on operative temperature, but always over-estimated foraging activity. It is suggested that temperature is not the only factor affecting foraging activity by I. belinain the field and that other factors, especially predation pressure, also have a strong influence.