Rearing history, larval density, and larval developmental stage affect volatile- and light-mediated diel hiding behavior in Mythimna unipuncta

The study explores how characteristics of the caterpillar M. unipuncta impact their hiding behavior in response to plant volatiles and light. Researchers examined three factors: the caterpillar's rearing history, the density of the caterpillar population, and caterpillar developmental stage. The findings reveal that caterpillars from a new colony were more affected by volatiles compared to those from an older colony.

Moreover, the impact of volatiles on caterpillar hiding behavior varied depending on the larvae's density and developmental stage. Second instars responded to volatiles in both light and dark conditions, while the behavior of fifth and sixth instars was influenced by light. This research underscores that hiding behaviors in M. unipuncta larvae are not solely dictated by light but are also influenced by factors such as volatiles, rearing history, social context (density), and developmental stages.