The effect of the starvation periods on feeding behavior of Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of starvation periods on feeding behavior of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). The experiments conducted in a controlled climate room conditions at temperature 25±1ºC, relative humidity 55±5% and photoperiod 16:8 h, using L. decemlineata individuals. Experiments on feeding behavior were carried out in 1 individual in each biological period of L. decemlineata. One individual was accepted as one repetition in each trial and the experiment was conducted with 10 replications. As a result of the observation, total feeding period, total starvation period without feeding, average duration of a feeding and number of meal were determined. The same biological periods were evaluated according to different starvation periods. According to the results, total feeding time of the individuals belonging to the first larval period was 2.101,20±155,36 sec. It was recorded when they starvation period for a maximum of 4 hours. This period was observed when they were starvation for 4 hours with 2.022,70±150,29 sec in the second larval period, they were starvation with 2.357,10±195,52 sec for 8 hours in the third larval period, and they were starvation with 3.221,60±85,28 sec for 8 hours in the fourth larval period. In adult individuals, in the preoviposition period total feeding period was 817,10±182,97 sec for 12 hours, in the ovipositon period 705,90±175,90 sec and starvaiton for 8 hours and young male individuals 1289,70±224,48 It was recorded when they fasted for 12 hours. Keywords: Leptinotarsa decemlineata, starvation period, feding behavior, potato.