Diel Distribution of Oviposition in Agrotis ipsilon (Hufn.), Agrotis munda (Walk.), and Heliothis armigera (Hbn.), (Lep. Noctuidae), in Relation to Temperature and Moonlight1

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The diel egg-laying activity was recorded by means of an egg-laying recording apparatus. Simultaneous hourly registrations of temperature and nocturnal illumination were obtained. With few exceptions egg-laying occurred during the night. The activity was highest in the first part of the night and a bimodal distribution curve was found. Moonlight had a depressing effect; above 0.1 lux no eggs were laid. The influence of the moon was more clearly visible at high temperatures. An attempt is made to explain the biomodal distribution curve found. The diel egg-laying activity was recorded by means of an egg-laying recording apparatus. Simultaneous hourly registrations of temperature and nocturnal illumination were obtained. With few exceptions egg-laying occurred during the night. The activity was highest in the first part of the night and a bimodal distribution curve was found. Moonlight had a depressing effect; above 0.1 lux no eggs were laid. The influence of the moon was more clearly visible at high temperatures. An attempt is made to explain the biomodal distribution curve found.