ALLATUM DEPENDENCE OF GROWTH AND METAMORPHOSIS IN AGROTIS YPSILON IN RELATION TO THE FEEDING PATTERN OF THE LARVAE

Growth and metamorphosis in Agrotis ypsilon is under the control of a balanced interaction of ecdysone with juvenile hormone. The presence of the corpora allata is essential for the maintenance of the secretory activity of the ecdysial glands. The growth rate is determined by the amount of food which the larvae consume as this is apparently influenced by the prothoracotropic action of the corpora allata. A minimum relative "metamorphosis" weight of "unity" was suggested to be attained in order for an insect to metamorphose from one stage into the next.