Adaptation variations of the Taiwanese Chinese moon moth Actias ningpoana ningtaiwana to different host plants.

ABSTRACT: This study examines host plant use and larval performance in Actias ningpoana ningtaiwana (Taiwanese Chinese moon moth) across ten native and cultivated tree species in Taiwan. Larval performance was assessed by measuring growth rate, developmental time, and survival across instars under controlled feeding trials. Results revealed significant interspecific variation in host suitability. Larvae developed most rapidly and successfully on Liquidambar formosana, while Pyracantha koidzumii and Lagerstroemia speciosa failed to support early instar survival. A negative correlation between developmental duration and survival suggests that faster development may enhance larval fitness. We propose the Bankruptcy at the End of Month hypothesis to describe a recurring pattern of delayed mortality obse

SUBMITTER: Chou YT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12280108 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature