Copulation and oviposition behaviour of Ephestia cautella (Walker) (lepidoptera: Phycitidae)

• Published in: Journal of stored products research Vol. 6; no. 3; pp. 229 - 245
• Main Author: Steele, R.W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.01.1970
• Subjects: arthropods; entomology
• ISSN: 0022-474X; 1879-1212
• DOI: 10.1016/0022-474X(70)90013-5

Copulation and oviposition behaviour of Ephestia cautella (Walker) were investigated at 25°C and 40–70% r.h., in known light intensities. In natural lighting, adult emergence, copulation and oviposition were rhythmic. When dusk occurred between 17.00–18.00 hours, peak emergence for both sexes occurred between 15.00–16.00 hours, copulation activity was greatest in the period 17.00–18.00 hours and oviposition commenced at midnight and showed marked bimodal diurnal rhythms at dusk and dawn. Dusk lighting was the dominant stimulus. Threshold light intensity for oviposition rhythm maintenance occurred between 0·05–0·2 lm/ft 2 (0·54–2·15 lm/m 2). Influence of spermatogenesis, copulation frequency, longevity, and female weight on fecundity are described. Some implications on control practices of the influence of light intensity on oviposition and times of copulation commencement are discussed.