ADULT GERMAN-COCKROACH (DICTYOPTERA, BLATTELLIDAE) MOVEMENT PATTERNS AND RESOURCE CONSUMPTION IN A LABORATORY ARENA

Computerized moving-image analysis was used to determine movement behavior of adult German cockroaches among food, water, and harborage resource sites. Adults at different stages in the female reproductive cycle (nonmated females, mated nongravid females, and gravid females) and males were examined continually for 5 d under a photoperiod of 12:12 (L:D) h. Corresponding food and water consumption rates for these adult classes were also determined. Differences were evident among the female reproductive classes and males. Mated nongravid females were the most active overall, and consumed the most re sources. Nonmated females were second to the mated nongravid females in consumption and were less active. Gravid females were the most inactive, spending the greatest time in the harborage and consuming the fewest resources. Males were second to females in the mated nongravid class regarding activity, but consumed significantly fewer resources than females in both the mated nongravid and nongravid females. Implications of these findings relating to the biology of these adult classes are discussed.