Accumulation and utilization of triacylglycerol and polysaccharides in Liposcelis bostrychophila (Psocoptera, Liposcelididae) selected for resistance to carbon dioxide

Abstract: Two populations of the psocid, Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel, were exposed to two CO 2 ‐enriched atmospheres (35% CO 2 + 21% O 2 , and 55% CO 2 + 21% O 2 , balance N 2 ) for 30 generations. Controls were reared in normal atmospheres. The reserves of triacylglycerol and polysaccharides were evaluated in adults of the two experimental and the control populations in generations F 15 and F 30 . The utilization rate of triacylglycerol and polysaccharides in the CO 2 ‐enriched atmospheres were also determined in generation F 30 . The results indicated that the reserves of triacylglycerol and polysaccharides increased significantly during selection for CO 2 resistance; the higher the resistance level, the greater the reserves. Exposure of these populations to controlled atmosphere was associated with a steady utilization of the reserves. By contrast, the unselected population responded to controlled atmospheres by accelerated utilization of triacylglycerol and polysaccharides. Comparison of the utilization rates during CO 2 exposure showed that triacylglycerol is the main energy source, and polysaccharides contribute to metabolic energy supply only to a small extent.