Insect-oriented locomotor responses by unmated females of Ephestia cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae)

Unmated E. cautella of both sexes were caged together and the ensuing behaviours of females were recorded, with particular attention to orientations to other insects. Calling females engaged in ‘turning-to-face’ and ‘walking up to’ orientations directed almost exclusively at wing-beating males (flying, or sexually excited and ambulatory). Non-calling, locomoting females engaged in ‘flying at’, ‘landing near’ and ‘walking into’ orientations directed predominantly at wing-beating or resting males, and occasionally at mating pairs or at calling females. The activities of the orienting female led to changes in the behaviour of some target insects, and 4% of all females mated directly after approaching males. Results are discussed in relation to sexual receptivity, locomotory excitation, and the pheromonal control of this species.