Economics of a Feeding Budget: A Case of Diversity of Host Plants for Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera) Feeding on Leaves and Needles

Relationships were analyzed among the energy-related characteristics of feed consumption by caterpillars spongy moth (also known as gypsy moth) Lymantria dispar L., survival individuals, and fecundity females depending on species a host plant. An optimization model was used for calculations. In this model, efficiency depends two parameters: metabolic degradation caterpillar biomass synthesis. Experiments conducted regarding feeding leaves silver birch Betula pendula Roth. needles Siberian larch Larix sibirica Ldb. Scotch pine Pinus sylvestris L. On basis results experiments, “costs” males calculated, different types found, relationship between female determined. The proposed approach can be employed to assess insects in various habitats.