Table 2.

Model parameters describing herbivore feeding, growth and development based on Pieris rapae, a medium sized caterpillar commonly found on Brassica nigra plants

Parameter	Value	Unit
a w	10.61	g m–2
b	0.7747	Unitless
a f	7.68 × 10–4	m2 g–1 gdd–1
Initial herbivore weight	1.86 × 10–5	g
Maximum herbivore weight	0.178	g
Herbivore life span	210	gdd

Caterpillar weight gain (c_w) is modelled using a two-parameter exponential function of caterpillar feeding rate (c_f) (c_w = a_wc_f^b), and caterpillar feeding rate is modelled using a linear function of caterpillar leaf area intake (c_l) (c_f = a_fc_l).