The influence of nymphal and adult dietary protein on food intake and reproduction in female brown-banded cockroaches

Female brown-banded cockroaches, Supella longipalpa (F.) (Dictyoptera : Blattellidae), failed to elevate consumption rates when fed a 5~o protein diet compared with females fed either 25~o protein or commercial rat food. Adult performance was directly influenced by dietary protein level: Females fed 65 ~o protein died rapidly, while in females fed 5 ~o protein feeding and reproductive rates were reduced after production of three oothecae. In females fed a low protein diet as both late instar nymphs and as adults, mating was delayed and they required more time to form oothecae than females switched to 25 ~o protein as adults. The role of nymphal reserves in adult reproduction is discussed.