Post-mating changes in the behaviour and activity of the female anobiid bread beetle, Stegobium paniceum

ABSTRACT. In an investigation of the effect of mating on the behaviour and activity of female Stegobium paniceum (L.) the following factors were examined: initiation of oviposition, amount of walking activity, refractory behaviour, and tendency to fly. 2–3 min in copula were sufficient to induce initiation of oviposition, increase the amount of walking activity and produce refractory behaviour. Mating was also shown to increase the occurrence of female flight behaviour. The number of females flying increased after oviposition had started and decreased when oviposition was complete. The greatest behavioural changes were found in females allowed to separate from males in their own time after a mean period in copula of 63 min. The significance of these changes and possible causative stimuli are discussed.