Phototaxis Characteristics of <i>Lymantria xylina</i> (Lepidoptera: Erebidae)
<i>Lymantria xylina</i> Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is considered a potentially internationally invasive forest pest with limited knowledge about its phototactic behavior. This study investigated the phototaxis of <i>L. xylina</i> males and females using various insectici...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
|
| Series: | Insects |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/4/338 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | <i>Lymantria xylina</i> Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is considered a potentially internationally invasive forest pest with limited knowledge about its phototactic behavior. This study investigated the phototaxis of <i>L. xylina</i> males and females using various insecticidal lamps in the field. The results showed that all lamps attracted both males and females, but females were captured in a very low numbers, with a female-to-male ratio of 1:322. The insecticidal lamp with a peak wavelength of 363 nm was most effective for male trapping. Males exhibited a distinct light-trapping rhythm, peaking around midnight (23:00–0:00), with 29.5% capture, while females were most active at dusk (19:00–20:00), with 44.4% capture. Light-trapped females were smaller and lighter than indoor-emerged females and had lower egg-carrying capacity. Females, when laying eggs, did not exhibit phototactic behavior. Only 14.6% of non-ovipositing females showed phototactic behavior, and only 0.6% flew directly toward the lamp. These findings suggest that while non-ovipositing females can exhibit phototaxis, only a small proportion will, potentially reducing the risk of long-distance dispersal of <i>L. xylina</i> via ocean-going freighters. The results showed that the non-ovipositing females could fly under phototaxis, but their phototaxis was limited. This study provides a basis for the risk assessment of the long-distance dispersal of <i>L. xylina</i> via ocean-going freighters through female moth phototactic flight. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2075-4450 |