Mating Behavior of the Cotton Leafhopper, Empoasca devastans, in Relation to Its Age, Ovarian Development, Diurnal Cycle, and Co2 Treatment

Abstract

The mating behavior of Empoasca devastans (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) involves an increase in the locomotor activity of males and a decrease in that of females, approach of males to stationary females, followed by interlocking of their genitalia. Mating activity increases with age, reaching its maximum in 5-day-old individuals, and declines thereafter. This change is due to an increase in the mating receptivity of both males and females up to 5 days after emergence and a subsequent decline in the receptivity of females only. Such a change in the mating receptivity of females is related to the maturation of their ovaries. The mating activity of the insects is not much affected by day-night rhythm. CO2-treatment of the insects delays mating activity for 8-12 hours after revival from anesthesia.