Codling Moth:1 Mating Behavior in the Laboratory

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Abstract
Mating behavior of codling moths, Laspeyresia pomonella (L.), in the laboratory was influenced by both the ratio of males to females and by the number (density) of moths present. When there were more females than males, each male mated more often than when the ratio was 1:1. Conversely, when there were more males than females, females mated more often than when the ratio was 1:1. Most females (75 to 92%) emerged and mated the same evening (day 1). If the female received a large spermatophore, sexual activity terminated for 42 to 63% of the females, depending on sex ratio; but 37% of the females mated again on the 2nd to 7th day. A significant increase in mating occurred on the 6th and 7th days, near the end of the female's life span. When receptive females were available, males mated once daily for 3-5 days, depending on ratio and density. Virgin females mated at any age. Copulation of virgin moths usually lasted 40 min; subsequent matings were longer and the size of the spermatophore was reduced. Males usually needed a period in excess of 12 h after mating to produce a 2nd spermatophore. Sexual activity was density dependent: at modernate density (5-10 pair/cage), nearly all males and females were sexually active the first day following eclosion.

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