Food Selection by Silkworm Larvæ

Abstract

THIS communication reports the presence of three stimulants in mulberry leaves which induce their preferential selection as food by silkworm larvæ. The first, which attracts the larvæ on to these leaves, has been identified as β,γ-hexenol or α,β-hexenal by T. Watanabe¹ ; the second, which stimulates biting action, occurs in the methanol-soluble fraction of the leaves; and the third, which appears to stimulate continuous swallowing by the larvæ, is present in the fraction insoluble in methanol and soluble in water. A combination of these factors is of importance for the positive acceptance of food by silkworm larvæ. By the use of these stimulants, extracted chemically from mulberry leaves, larvæ have been induced to feed on agar.