Ingestion, Absorption and Utilization of Phosphorus by the Silkworm, Bombyx mori (Lipedoptera : Bombycidae)

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In the present experiment the amount of phosphorus ingested and absorbed by a single larva was determined through the 5th instar, and the fate and distribution of phosphorus were followed during larval-pupal development. The phosphorus content in the feces sharply increased as growth progressed and exceeded that of mulberry leaves in the latter half of the 5th instar. The absorption rate of phosphorus was drastically lowered with growth and was negative at the mature stage. A large amount of phosphorus was excreted in the feces during spinning and in meconium of the adult. On the other hand, phosphorus content was high in newly ecdysized larva and decreased with growth. The amount of phosphorus in the larva was increased in the first half of the instar until it reached a plateau. Silkglands contained 35% of the total phosphorus, the content in the cocoon-shell was slight, but 23 and 30% of the phosphorus in the mature larva were distributed in the eggs and adult body, respectively. The excretion of phosphorus at metamorphosis may be useful for maintenance of homeostasis of phosphorus concentration in the body.

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