CALLING BEHAVIOR OF THE BERTHA ARMYWORM, MAMESTRA CONFIGURATA (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE),

Abstract

AbstractThe calling posture, diel periodicity of calling, calling pattern, photoperiodic cue of calling, and endogenous circadian rhythm of calling were studied in virgin females of the bertha armyworm, Mamestra configurata Walker, at 20°C, 60% RH, and a 16 h light: 8 h dark photoperiod. The female had a definite calling posture: the ovipositor was extruded and curved downward at an angle of about 45°, the wings were raised above the abdomen in the form of a “V”, the antennae were directed posteriorly and held close to the sides of the thorax, and the abodmen was bent so that the two ends were raised slightly and the middle was lowered. Calling had a discrete diel periodicity, occurring in the last two-thirds of the scotophase. The calling pattern was characteristic of the continuous pattern of calling. The lights-off signal was the photoperiodic cue responsible for setting the timing of the diel periodicity of calling. The circadian rhythm of calling was endogenously based.