Energy dynamics of Encoptolophus sordidus costalis (Scudder) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in a grassland ecosystem

摘要: The bioenergetics of annual populations the dusky grasshopper, Encoptolophus sordidus costalis, on a natural grassland site were examined. Peak dry weight biomass these insects reached 1.7 kg/ha (1.85 lb/at). Oxygen consumption ranged from 2.76 μl/h for first instar nymphs to 82 μl/h adults, values that equated with an average 341 ml oxygen/m2 during growing season. Energy (cal/mg) insect body tissue averaged 5.24 while those exuviae, faeces, and plant material 5.38, 4.08, 4.39, respectively. grasshoppers ingested 2% green shoot primary production, which, at latitude Matador experimental site, was equal 792 kcal/m2 in 1968–69. An additional 8% cut dropped so total 10% vegetation removed by this species. Twenty-five percent food metabolized; rest voided as faeces. Respiration accounted 51% metabolized energy. Exuviae made up 6 11% secondary prod...