Comparative radiosensitivity in the class insecta.

A “radiosensitivity index” (LTJmean longevity) was correlated with the mean longevity and dry weight of 37 insect species (both sexes of 12 species) representing eight orders. Curvilinear regression analysis reIating radiosensitivity to mean longevity and mean dry weight indicated that 46.3% of the observed variation could be attributed to longevity and 32.6% to the dry weight of the species. In general, large long-lived adults were more radiosensitive than small short-lived ad&s. Correlation of the phylogeny of insect orders and order groupings with the radio-sensitivity index was found to be poor. However, when the index was related to longevity, there was a tendency for species comprising the major orders investigated to occur in groups along the predicted curve.