Chinese Journal of Entomology (1992) 12, 91-99

Y.I. Chu and H.T. Wu (1992)
The studies on emergence, copulation and oviposition of adult beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua Hubner)
Chinese Journal of Entomology 12 (2), 91-99
Abstract: The adults used at present study were developed from the larvae reared on a flowering bean (Phaseolus coccineus) based artificial diet under the condition of 27±1°C, 13L:11D. Eclosion of the beet armyworm (Spodoptera sxigua) occurred both day and night, 70%emerging in the evening. Two emerging peaks, 17:00-22:00 and 1:00-5:00 were observed. Mating activity began 4 hours after dark peaking 9 hours after the during 0:00 to 4:00. The mating last for an average of 41.8 minutes. Both male and female were observed to mate once in a night, transferring a single spermatophore to the female. Although a female could copulate 3 times, once sufficient of fertilized the eggs. Number of mating times did not much affecet fecundity and hatching rate of eggs.
Longivity of mated and unmated females were 7.2 and 14.1 days respectively. Pre-ovipositional period was 2.1 and 6.2 days in average. The prolongation of life span and the preoviposition period was considered favorable for adults seeking mating opportunities in areas low male concentration. It also increased dispersal and emigration of adults.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Spodoptera exigua