Olfactory Interactions Between Sexually Active Males in Adoxophyes Orana (F.V.R.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Abstract

AbstractMales of the summerfruit tortrix moth, Adoxophyes orana, placed in a windtunnel react to the odour of females with upwind walking, non-orientated wing fluttering and orientated fluttering. When groups of three males were arranged linearly in an air stream there was a decline in the last two sexual activities from upwind to downwind. As this was not found to be due to increasing distance from the pheromone source, it was concluded that upwind males inhibit the sexual behaviour of downwind males. The signal responsible for this inhibition proved to be an olfactory one. This inhibition was only seen when the upwind males were (1) sexually activated and (2) in a potentially competitive situation. Males perceiving male pheromone modify their behaviour by increasing the lateral component of their search path. This behaviour could increase the probability of finding another female in natural circumstances.