Katherine R. Goodrich, Ph.D.

Caterpillar-host plant interactions:

Some caterpillar species feed on only one plant species. Other caterpillar species may feed from and survive on several different plant species. The growth and survival of a caterpillar on a particular plant species may depend on the nutritional quality of the plant’s tissues, the chemical toxins (plant defenses) in the plant’s tissues, or the likelihood of being attacked by predators while on that plant. Therefore, a caterpillar’s diet may have a substantial impact on its survival to adulthood, and its reproductive success as an adult.

I am collaborating with Janice Krumm, Ph.D., and students Kelly Hy (’11), Ashley Jones (’11), Carlee Moir (’12), Kelsey Fisher (’13), Luis Ortiz (’13), and Michael Colgan (’13) on a two-part project with caterpillars of the tulip tree beauty moth (Epimecis horaria). These caterpillars feed on at least four different host plant species (Liriodendron tulipifera, Sassafras albidum, Lindera benzoin, and Asmina triloba) in forests near Widener University. We raised groups of caterpillars on individual plant diets, weighing the caterpillars every two days until pupation. We found significant differences in growth rates and time until pupation for caterpillars raised on different host plant species. We are currently working on a manuscript for publication of this work.

We are also working on feeding preference experiments using E. hortaria caterpillars raised on different host plant species. These caterpillars are highly mobile, allowing for individual caterpillars to potentially switch host plants over the course of larval development. We are interested in the impact of early feeding experience on food preferences later in larval development.

Students interested in potential research projects in the Goodrich lab
If you are a biology major at Widener and you are interested in learning more about potential research projects in my lab, please contact me via e-mail (kgoodrich@mail.widener.edu) or stop by my office during office hours. My office hours may change each semester, but my schedule will always be posted outside my office door (Kirkbride Hall 423 C).