EFFECTS OF EMPEROR MOTH LARVAL SECRETIONS, HEMOLYMPH, AND COMPONENTS ON MICROORGANISMS AND PREDATORS

The biological significance of the caterpillar scolus secretions, hemo lymph, and compounds of four emperor moth species (Lepidoptera, Saturn iidae) has been investigated by means of different biological tests an d behavioral observations: 1. Larval body fluids and several component s (e.g., phenylacetaldehyde) were shown to inhibit growth of certain b acteria but not of fungi. 2. Larval body fluids deter ants from feedin g, evidently due to the strong behavior-modifying activity of several compounds therein. 3. Larval body fluids and whole caterpillars produc e feeding-avoidance in model bird species. The findings suggest that t hese defensive mechanisms effectively protect saturniid caterpillars f rom pathogens and predators in nature.