Rate of Oxygen Uptake in Antheraea mylitta in Various Stages of Development and during Diapause

Abstract

Respiration in Antheraea mylitta was studied using constant pressure respirometer. Oxygen uptake in different stages of life showed that moth has highest rate of oxygen uptake as compared to larva and pupa. At each stage significant sexual differentiation was observed. Depression in the rate of oxygen uptake in diapausing pupa was found to be higher in male(65.75%) than female (60.65%) as compared to nondiapausing counterparts. During diapause lowest oxygen uptake was recorded in the month of February,and were in the order of February < January <December < March < November < April < May < June in male, and, February < January < December <March < April < November < May < June in female. Significant sexual differentiation in oxygen uptake was recorded throughout the period of diapause (November to June) where female pupae registered lower rate of oxygen uptake than that of male. Oxygen uptake in female pupae declined upto 28.89% in non-diapausing and 18.29% in diapausing broods over male. Highest respiratory quotient value was recorded in the moth of November (0.68 in male and 0.70 in female) and, the lowest in the month of March in male (0.54) and May in female (0.55). Percentage loss in pupa weight always remained at a significantly higher level in male (except in February and March). The lowest oxygen uptake rate and weight loss in the month of February shows that the pupae were at peak of their dormancy during this month.