Diet selection by adult female Parcoblatta fulvescens cockroaches during the oothecal cycle.
1. Female Parcoblatta fulvescens feed selectively on diets differing in nutrient content when given a choice during the reproductive cycle. 2. Diets high in carbohydrate and protein content are preferred early in the cycle, while a cellulose-containing diet is readily consumed toward the end of the cycle. 3. The total diet consumed by females given a choice contained about 16% protein, and they did not excrete uric acid while on this diet. 4. Females on diets high in carbohydrate or cellulose required longer to complete the reproductive cycle than females on high-protein diet or those given a dietary choice. 5. Nitrogen-stressed females will consume urate-containing fecal pellets, but only if they have utilizable carbohydrate in their diet.
Lembke
H F
HF
Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061.
Cochran
D G
DG
D000818:Animals; D003058:Cockroaches / Q000502:physiology*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000378:metabolism*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004044:Dietary Proteins