Effects of caffeine and theophylline on the fecundity of four lepidopteran species.

Effects of secondary plant metabolites (caffeine and theophylline on reproduction of lepidopteran species were studied using Bombyx mori, Spodoptera litura, Danaus chrysippus and Catopsilia crocale as test organisms. Reproductive potential (ovary length and egg number) was significantly reduced in the lepidopterans receiving caffeine/theophylline treated leaves in comparison to the control. Protein and energy contents in the egg of the moths showed remarkable decrease with increasing concentrations of secondary plant metabolites in the feed. However, fat content remained almost constant in the egg of control and experimental animals.