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Sexual communication by Tirathaba mundella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

Yorianta Sasaerila
Affiliation:
Centre for Environmental Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6
Gerhard Gries*
Affiliation:
Centre for Environmental Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6
Regine Gries
Affiliation:
Centre for Environmental Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6
Hardi
Affiliation:
PT Tania Selatan, Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia
*
1Corresponding author (e-mail: gries@sfu.ca).

Extract

Mate acquisition in moths typically entails long range response of males to female-produced signals, although in several species males may attract females (Birch et al. 1990; Conner 1999; Phelan 1997). Tirathaba mundella Walker attacks oil palm in Southeast Asia (Barlow 1982; Kalshoven 1981). Larvae bore into and feed inside inflorescences and fruit bunches, causing a major reduction in oil production. Observations (Y Sasaerila, unpublished data) suggested that females are attracted to signaling males. Our objectives were to (i) determine the sex emitting or responding to sexual communication signals; (ii) describe calling and courtship behaviour; and (iii) determine the diel periodicity of sexual communication.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 2002

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References

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