Effect of rearing conditions on fatty acid allocation during flight in nectivorous lepidopteran Mythimna unipuncta

Insect species that are nectivorous as adults acquire essential fatty acids almost exclusively from host plants during larval development. Thus, important for a number of different biological processes, adult allocation this limited resource may result in trade-offs. Most lepidopteran migrate do so sexually immature adults, used migratory flight would not be available subsequent reproduction. Using the true armyworm, Mythimna unipuncta, model system we analyzed fat body samples to test hypothesis environmental cues influence use flight. We diets manipulated isotopically trace origins and stored lipids chromatographic analyses determine acid composition. In first experiments, 5-day old moths had been reared summer or fall (migratory) conditions were force flown lengths time (0–6 h) after which analyzed. Rearing did affect loading however patterns differed with being conserved under but conditions. As can take several days, repeated experiment when 8 h each day up 5 days. Some provided access sugar water while others only given once. When was readily sporadically available, their indicating responsible onset physiological changes modify lipid use. However, water, conserved, highlighting importance nectar availability at stopovers conservation migration. Isotopic analysis moth indicated large contribution adult-derived diet fuel. The implications using isotopic approaches other studies future research on differential winged monomorphic insects discussed. Summary statement: tracing methods gas chromatography demonstrate impact armyworm moths. particular, food sources will degree conserved.