Physiological factors related to bait aversion in the German cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

Abstract:
Physiological factors related to bait aversion in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), were investigated in a series of laboratory experiments. We compared the metabolic rates, respiration patterns, and taste receptor perceptions of control and bait averse German cockroaches. Both strains detected glucose and sucrose similarly, but only with the maxillary palp. The metabolic rate of the two strains differed in their response to temperature. Both strains exhibited a discontinuous gas exchange cycle (DGC) at 10°C, but the duration of both the interburst and burst phases was longer in the susceptible strain. The maximum RQ values occurred at 20°C for the resistant and 25°C for the susceptible strains and suggest that lipid and protein served as the metabolic substrates.