Meeting Abstract

P1.100  Jan. 4  Locomotion and feeding at low temperatures in the woodroach Parcoblatta pennsylvanica. WASSMER, Gary T.*; REMALEY, Jill; Bloomsburg Univ. of Pennsylvania gwassmer@bloomu.edu

Seasonal adaptations to low temperature are common in insects from temperate climates. Usually, but not exclusively, these adaptations include preparation for low temperature, followed by a period of low or no activity, slow or absent growth, and a cessation of reproduction. The roach Parcoblatta pennsylvanica is one of the relatively rare cockroaches distributed in northern temperate regions. Like other temperate species, reproduction ceases during the winter and growth is minimal. However; it has been noted through field observation by us and others that these animals are capable of moving and feeding at temperatures that are usually prohibitive. Similar results have been reported for overwintering nymphs of the roach Periplaneta japonica. In this study, we examine the effect of low temperatures on feeding and activity in Parcoblatta pennsylvanica and a tropical species Naupoeta cinera. We then relate these results to previous studies on photoperiodic time measurement, hemolymph protein levels, and seasonality of P. pennsylvanica in an attempt to understand this interesting animal’s life history strategy.