Evaluation of the ability of Cadra cautella (Walk.) larvae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) to perceive the presence of a food source in flexible biaxially oriented polypropylene packaging

Abstract

The ability of II instar Cadra cautella (Walle) larvae to perceive the presence of food source and to penetrate packaging, containing or lacking food, in biaxially oriented polypropylene, differently treated and with varying thickness, was evaluated. Only packaging containing food source were penetrated and no substantial difference of behaviour between males and females was observed. Co-extruded biaxially oriented polypropylene packaging as well as acrylic coated packaging, in presence or in absence of printing, were perforated to a thickness of 20 μm. Abrasions were observed on the packaging in white expanded polypropylene (40 μm), in presence or absence of printing, but larvae couldn't perforate them.