ISSN:
1570-7458
Keywords:
Prostephanus truncatus
;
Bostrichidae
;
dispersal
;
pheromone
;
crowding effect
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The influence of population density and aggregation pheromone were investigated as possible flight initiating factors for Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Col.: Bostrichidae). Maize grains (175 g in glass jars) were infested with 20, 50, 150 or 300 beetles, all of which were removed after 2 weeks. Flight initiation of the progeny was observed over a period of 4 weeks, with and without the synthetic aggregation pheromone of P. truncatus. Addition of the synthetic pheromone had no influence on the number of beetles taking off. The number of beetles dispersing increased with growing initial and progeny densities. Dispersal rates (% of total progeny dispersing) rose with declining rate till they reached a maximum at ca. 33%. Of the beetles dispersing, 74% left the cultures between 18.00 and 20.00 hours. Surviving progeny per female decreased with increasing initial density. Sex ratios in the initial cultures and in the F1 were ca. 1:1, whereas a higher proportion of females (67%) was found among the dispersing beetles.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1003147811537
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