Differential Development and Reproduction of the German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blatlellidae) on Three Laboratory Diets

Abstract

Development of nymphs and oocyte maturation in adults were examined in Blattella germanica (L.) reared on three commercial diets. Nymphs fed rat food developed significantly faster than nymphs fed two commercial dog foods. Similarly, oocytes matured more quickly in adult females that were raised on rat food than in females raised on dog food. Nymphal development and oocyte maturation were slower in insects that were fed whole dog food pellets than in insects fed ground dog food, suggesting that grinding the diet diminishes a mechanical barrier in whole dog food pellets. Comparisons of processed canine food and unprocessed canine food indicated that diets were significantly inferior after the steam extrusion process. Rat food is normally not subjected to such conditions and both processed and unprocessed rat food are equally suitable for B. germanica. The significance and implications for comparative studies with cockroaches are discussed.

CRF-Like Diuretic Hormone Negatively Affects Both Feeding and Reproduction in the Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria

“…Also in other insect species, similar observations have been made ( e.g. for cockroaches [69]; for butterflies [70]; and for bugs: [71]). A higher nutrient uptake may not only stimulate vitellogenesis and oocyte growth, but might also affect other anabolic processes (related to reproduction), such as ecdysteroidogenesis.…”

Dynamics of juvenile hormone-mediated gonadotropism in the lepidoptera

“…In addition to mating, availability of adult food and suitable oviposition substrates enhance egg production in several species of insects, such as crickets, cockroaches, mosquitoes, flies, moths, butterflies, and other species (e.g., Loher et al, 1987;Weston and Miller, 1987;Hendrichs et al, 1993;Hamilton et al, 1990;Cooper and Schal, 1992;Bowen, 1991;Klowden, 1993;Klowden and Chambers, 1991;Venkatesh et al, 1988;Ramaswamy, 1994). For example, Benz (1969) determined that availability of adequate adult nutrition and space and the presence of host twigs resulted in a twofold and sixfold increase, respectively, in numbers of eggs processed and deposited by the moth Zeiraphera diniana.…”

Local Enhancement Promotes Cockroach Feeding Aggregations

“…Group foraging could be also a strategy to extend these physiological benefits to the activity phases. Third, the fact that groups are composed of individuals at different developmental stages might benefit to young nymphs as adults and old nymphs have the potential to process foods and break mechanical barriers that prevent small individuals from feeding on certain types of food [38]. But perhaps more importantly, local enhancement might allow cockroaches to share essential information about available food sources.…”