Premium
Laboratory and field studies on the reproductive ecology of P arocneria orienta ( L epidoptera: L ymantriidae) in C hina
Author(s) -
Yang Hua,
Zhang KunSheng,
Yang Wei,
Yang ChunPing
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
entomological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.421
H-Index - 20
eISSN - 1748-5967
pISSN - 1738-2297
DOI - 10.1111/1748-5967.12096
Subject(s) - biology , mating , sex pheromone , reproduction , zoology , circadian rhythm , sex ratio , ecology , endocrinology , population , medicine , environmental health
To lay a foundation for the monitoring, prevention and control of P arocneria orienta , a pest moth in C hina, we investigated the reproductive ecology of P . orienta , including the environmental factors affecting reproduction and the effects of pheromones in field traps. The results showed that the mating duration is shorter when the temperature is higher, with the optimal temperature range for P . orienta reproduction being 22–27° C . The sex ratio had an effect on the male mating capacity, which significantly increased when the sex ratio was ♀:♂ ≥ 3:1. The average number of matings was 2.44 for males, while female P . orienta mated only once in a lifetime. Males were more attracted to virgin females than to mated females, and the temperature and light period had an effect on the release of sex pheromones by females. Field trap tests using virgin females supported the results obtained in the laboratory, showing that the release of sex pheromones by P . orienta follows a distinct circadian rhythm.