Feeding and growth of Acrotelsa collaris (Fabricius) (Thysanura, Lepismatidae) on different types of paper

Specimens of Acrotelsa collaris were confined on representative paper samples and on filter paper impregnated with milk food. Each stadium was divisible into a feeding and a non-feeding period. Stadial and feeding durations (42 ± 1 and 29 ± 1 days) were not statistically different on the untreated papers except one. On the milk food paper stadial and feeding durations were significantly shorter (27 ± 2 and 18 ± 2 days). However non-feeding periods were not significantly different (12·0 ± 0·5 days). The total amounts of the different papers ingested in a single feeding period were similar. Art and milk food paper were eaten faster. The approximate digestibility values were in the range 63–77 per cent. There was a general loss in body weight, except on milk food paper that was replaced periodically.