Effects of age on calling behaviour of the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis) (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

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Abstract
The effects of age on calling behaviour of virgin females of Chilo suppressalis (Wlk.) were investigated. The results show clearly that patterns of calling varied with age. The frequency of calling was high in females up to 4 or 5 days after emergence and thereafter decreased rapidly. The number of calling bouts increased slightly in older moths. Bout length became longer with increasing age. The total duration of calling, therefore, increased gradually with age. On average, calling began 3 h 49 min after light-off on day 1, but thereafter, the time of start became earlier each day by 10 to 40 min per day. It seems that the change of calling patterns with age is correlated with increased reproductive maturity of females.