Nutrient composition of caterpillars, pupae, cocoons and adults of the eastern tent moth, Malacosoma americanum (lepidoptera: lasiocampidae)

Abstract

1. 1. Levels of the elements--N, Na, K, Mg, Ca, and Fe--in caterpillars, pupae, cocoons and adults of Eastern tent moths show individual patterns for each element.2. 2. As food, all stages exceed minimal mammalian and avian requirements for N, Mg, and K; however, for Na, Fe, and Ca, at least one stage is nutritionally inadequate for mammals and birds.