Study on adult emergence, female calling and mating behaviour in Maruca vitrata F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Kerala, India

Abstract

Behavioural studies on the legume spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata was done at 27±2oC, 65-70% RH and photoperiod of 12L: 12D. Adult emergence occurred throughout the day. Emergence of moths during scotophase (6 pm - 5 am) was 70%, which constitutes 63% of males and 76% of females. During photophase, (6 am - 5 pm) emergence was 30%, which constitutes 36% for males, and 24% for females. Highest emergence peak for male was observed at 4 pm (photophase) and for females, at 10 pm (scotophase). Calling behaviour of M.vitrata females observed from one to eight days. Female started calling from 2nd hour of scotophase (7 pm) and terminated at 3 am (scotophase). The mean percentage of calling was maximum at 6th hour of scotophase in 3-day old moth with 44%. None of the females called during first hours of scotophase. Mating of M. vitrata observed throughout scotophase up to 8 days and highest mating occurred in 3-day-old moths with 26%.