Temperature dependence of feeding behaviour in the mopane worm (Lepidoptera)

We related foraging activity by the caterpillars of the mopane emperor moth (Imbrasia belina) to temperature in the laboratory and then used these data to predict foraging activity from temperature in the field. Predictions were poor when based on shade temperature, better when based on operative temperature, but always over-estimated foraging activity. We suggest that temperature is not the only factor affecting foraging activity by I. belina the field and that other factors, especially predation pressure, also have a strong influence.