Diel Activity Cycles in Nymphal Stadia of the German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

Abstract

Computerized moving-image analysis was used to determine movement behavior of individual German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), nymphs (second and fifth instars) between food, water, and harborage resource sites. Both second and fifth instars (n = 10) were examined for the entire nymphal stadium, during which a 12:12 (L:D) photoperiod was maintained. In addition, corresponding resource consumption rates for these nymphal stages also were determined. Both nymphal stages exhibited a pattern of high activity for the first half of the nymphal stadium, especially during each scotophase. For the last third of the stadium, the nymphs remained continuously in the harborage, moved very little, and consumed little or no resources. We discuss implications of these findings regarding control, future research, and possible hormonal behavior regulation.