Mating behaviour of the corn stalk borer Sesamia nonagrioides
1992
Babilis, N.A. | Mazomenos, B.E.
The mating behaviour of the corn stalk borer Sesamia nonagrioides (Lef.) [Lepidoptera: Noctuidae] was studied under laboratory conditions at 25 ± 1 ° C, 65 ± 5 % r.h. and 16:8 (L:D) regime. The females began calling during the first scotophase following emergence, the peak of calling occurred during the second scotophase and thereafter decreased. Maximum calling was observed between the fourth and sixth hour of the scotophase. The calling pattern varied with age. During the first and second scotophase most of the females were calling continuously, while during the third and fourth scotophase periodic calling was observed. The mean onset of calling was advanced and the mean length of calling per day was increased slightly as the female became older. Females held for 72 h in continuous darkness exhibited an endogenous circadian rhythm of calling. Matings began during the first scotophase following emergence and the peak of mating was observed during the second scotophase. Mated females did not remate. Few males mated more than once during the following scotophases.
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