Flight activity and oviposition characteristics of the seasonal form of a migrant skipper, Parnara guttata guttata (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)

Abstract

SummaryThe flight activity of adults of a migrant skipper (Parnara guttata guttata) was measured on the day of emergence, and at 4 and 7 days after emergence by a flight mill and the activity was compared among the three seasonal forms which emerged under 12, 14 and 16 hr photoperiods. The flight activity of adults reared under 12 and 14 hrs was higher than that under 16 hr especially on the day of emergence. The flight activity of males under 12 and 14 hrs was higher on the day of emergence and decreased at 4 and 7 days. The activity of males under 16 hr was maintained at a low and constant level. The activity of females under 12 and 14 hrs increased or was constant on the days after the emergence, on the other hand, the activity of females under 16 hr was highest at 4 days after the emergence. The wing size did not affect the flight activity.The oviposition characteristics of females reared under the three photoperiods was compared. The female under 14 hr has a longer preoviposition period and lesser fecundity than that under 16 hr. The female under 12 hr has intermediate values of the former two. The size of eggs laid by females under 12 hr was also intermediate.