Heliothis caterpillars

Some studies have demonstrated that the source of polyhedra does not affect its lethality or the time necessary to kill the caterpillars (Faulkner and Henderson, 1972 Ignoffo et al., 1974 Wang et al., 1992 Chakraborty et al., 1999). However, Bonning et al. (1995) found that polyhedra produced from caterpillars kill Trichoplmia ni and Heliothis virescens caterpillars faster than polyhedra from cell culture. This could suggest efficiency differences of these polyhedra produced from different sources. Nevertheless, there were no observed differences in lethal dose between the polyhedra tested. 

Carboxylesterases are responsible for the selective toxicity of malathion that favors mammals over insects. Carboxylesterase hydrolyzing trans-permethrin has been found in numerous insect species, including the fall armyworm, velvetbean caterpillar (Anticar-sia gemmatalis), cabbage looper (Trichoplnsia ni), tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), and spined soldier bug (Podisus maculwentris) (Yu, 1990). 

J0rgensen, H.B. and Lovei, G.L. (1999). Tri-trophic effect on predator feeding Consumption by the carabid Harpalus affinis of Heliothis armigera caterpillars fed on proteinase inhibitor-containing diet. Entomol. Exp. Appl. 93,113-116. 

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