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Mating behaviour of the aphidophagous ladybird beetle Coelophora saucia (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 March 2010

Omkar  and
Satyendra Kumar Singh
Omkar*
Affiliation:
Ladybird Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow226 007, India
Satyendra Kumar Singh
Affiliation:
Ladybird Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow226 007, India
*
*E-mail: omkaar55@hotmail.com
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Abstract

The age-specific mating incidence and mating behaviour of an aphidophagous ladybird beetle Coelophora saucia Mulsant were studied. Males started mating at the age of 4 days. Newly emerged females mated with older males albeit forcibly. The incidence of mating was 100% at the age of 10 days. Courtship involved five steps, viz. approach, watch, examine, mount and attempt, and was male dominated under laboratory conditions. Results indicate that physical cues probably play a role in the initiation of courtship, while chemical signals are probably involved in the continuation of courtship, culminating in intromission. The mating duration, latent period and number of bouts gradually decreased with increase in the number of matings; however, the interval between bouts slightly increased. Pseudo-mating with dead mates was observed in C. saucia. The oviposition period, fecundity and % egg viability were highest in females mated multiple times, while lowest in those that mated once.

Keywords

Coelophora sauciaCoccinellidaereproductioncourtshipmating behaviour
Type
Research Paper
Information
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science , Volume 30 , Issue 1 , March 2010 , pp. 3 - 10
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 2010

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