Reproductive behavior of the honeydew moth,Cryptoblabes gnidiella

Summary

The reproductive behavior of the honeydew moth, Cryptoblabes gnidiella (Millière) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), was studied in the laboratory. The sex ratio was 1.1:1, males to females, in both laboratory and field stocks. Most of the females that mated did so during the first night after emergence; males began mating on the following night. Mating occurred 1–2 h before dawn and averaged 100 min. Both sexes mated only once in one night. Most females mated only once in their lifetime, a few mated 2–4 times, whereas males mated up to six times per lifetime. Insects that lived longer also mated more times. When the sex ratio was altered from 3:1 to 1:3, males to females, the percentage of females that mated in one night dropped from 90 to 65, whereas the number of matings per male rose from 0.32 to 2.25. When fresh one-day-old females were provided daily at a ratio of three per male, the males averaged 1.4 matings per lifetime vs. 2.6 with 2- to 3-day-old females. A delay in mating did not affect the percentages of males and females that mated; highest percentages were obtained with 2- to 4-day-old males and females, but a delay in mating resulted in egg fertility dropping from 91 % to 73 %. The preoviposition period lasted a full day after mating, and then most of the eggs were laid during the first night. Average fecundity was 105 eggs per female (maximum: 230).     

Phosphate Translocation from Young and Ageing Sett Roots in Sugar Cane Plants (Saccharum officinarum L.)

Sett roots of the sugar cane plant are generally less efficientthan shoot roots in phosphate translocation to the tops, moremarkedly upon ageing. Since sett roots continue to absorb phosphate,they may be considered as competitors for the more efficientshoot roots.     

The antennae and antennal sensilla of the giant looper,Boarmia (Ascotis) selenaria SchiffermÜller (Lepidoptera,Geometridae)*

The general morphology of the antennae and the antennal sensilla of both sexes of Boarmia (Ascotis) selenaria SchiffermÜller are described. The following types of sensilla were found: Bohm bristles and sensilla chaetica, trichodea, coeloconica, auricillica and styloconica. Antennal sexual dimorphism is marked, but mainly confined to the presence of long sensilla trichodea in males and the absence in females. The sensilla trichodea are the most abundant sensillum type.