Variability of gustatory responsiveness to phenylalanine in the generalist caterpillar, Grammia geneura (Lepidoptera, Arctiidae)

Electrophysiological recordings were made from maxillary taste sensilla of the caterpillar Grammia geneura, stimulated with the deterrent amino acid, phenylalanine. High levels of variability were noted and different potential causes examined. Little variation was detected with respect to standardiz...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of insect physiology 2004-12, Vol.50 (12), p.1113-1120
Main Authors: Bernays, E.A., Chapman, R.F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
age
Amino acid
Animals
antifeeding activity
Arctiidae
Caterpillar
Cohort Studies
Deterrent
diet
diurnal variation
dose response
Electrophysiology
Feeding Behavior - drug effects
Feeding Behavior - physiology
feeding deterrence
genetic variation
Grammia geneura
intraspecific variation
larvae
Lepidoptera
Lepidoptera - drug effects
Lepidoptera - metabolism
Lepidoptera - physiology
maxillary sensilla
Neural sensitivity
Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine - pharmacology
phytophagous insects
sensilla
Taste Buds - drug effects
Taste Buds - physiology
taste sensitivity
Taste threshold
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Summary:Electrophysiological recordings were made from maxillary taste sensilla of the caterpillar Grammia geneura, stimulated with the deterrent amino acid, phenylalanine. High levels of variability were noted and different potential causes examined. Little variation was detected with respect to standardized intra-individual tests, phenylalanine concentration, previous food type or time of day. Some changes were observed in relation to age, but could not account for the overall variation found. Major differences in responsiveness depended on cohort and the possibility of important genetic differences is discussed.
ISSN:0022-1910
1879-1611
DOI:10.1016/j.jinsphys.2004.09.006