Effect of Age on Mating Activity of the Sweet Potato Leaf Folder, Brachmia macroscopa : Lepidoptera : Gelechiidae

Authors:
  • CHChisato Hirano
    Chisato Hirano
  • HMHiroki Muramoto
    Hiroki Muramoto
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Abstract
Observations were made on the nocturnal mating behaviors of Brachmia macroscopa moth, at 25°Cunder a 16-8 hr light-dark photoperiod. The percentages of females calling and of pairs mating were low on day 1, but heightened with the age, attaining maximum levels on day 3 for calling and on day 4 for mating. Calling began about 1.5 hr prior to the light-on on day 1, but thereafter the onset time shifted earlier day by day, at rate of 30 to 50 min per day. The onset time of mating also shifted earlier with the age, indicating that initiation of mating depends on female calling activity. Peak period of male responsiveness to the female sex pheromone seemed to coincide with that of female calling activity.