Calling behaviour ofMamestra brassicae: effect of age and photoperiod

Die periodicity of calling and the effect of age and photoperiod on calling behaviour were studied in virgin females of the cabbage moth,mamestra brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). No calling activity was observed during the first scotophase. Most females called for the first time during the 2nd or 3rd scotophase after emergence, regardless of the photoperiod. Moths maintained under 16L: 8D started calling significantly later in the scotophase than those maintained under 18L: 6D. With increasing age, moths initiated calling significantly earlier. Under the 16L: 8D photoregime, the mean onset calling time decreased from scotophases 2 to 3, after which it stabilized around ca. 260 min after the start of the scotophase. With 18L: 6D, the onset of calling decreased until scotophase 4, and subsequently stabilized around ca. 130 min after lights off.Present address: Nodus Information Technology bv, University Business & Technology Center Vadaring 51, 6702 EA Wageningen, The Netherlands