Abstract
THE apparent efficiency with which wireworms (Agriotes obscurus, lineatus and sputator), when in an active feeding phase, find crop plants on which to feed is very striking. It is displayed even though these plants may not be particularly closely spaced and at first occupy only a very small proportion of the total soil surface. This makes it appear improbable that random wandering either on or in the soil could offer a complete explanation. Yet in spite of this, and of the enormous literature on wireworms, there seem to be no studies on record which throw any clear light on the methods by which the food is found. The potential importance of such knowledge as a basis for the elaboration of trapping methods needs no emphasis, and it was largely for this reason that the work here described was undertaken. It is hoped that the first paper dealing with these investigations will shortly be in the press. The object of this letter is to summarize certain broad conclusions which have so far emerged.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Falconer, D. S., J. Exp. Biol., in the press.
Neuberger, A., and Sanger, F., Biochem. J., 36, 662 (1942).
Ullyott, P., J. Exp. Biol., 13, 253 (1936).
Fraenkel and Gunn, "The Orientation of Animals" (1940).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
THORPE, W., CROMBIE, A., HILL, R. et al. The Food Finding of Wireworms (Agriotes spp.). Nature 155, 46–47 (1945). https://doi.org/10.1038/155046a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/155046a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.