Mating behavior of the scarab beetle Dasylepida ishigakiensis (Coleoptera : Scarabaeidae)

概要

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Mating behavior of the scarab beetle Dasylepida ishigakiensis was observed in a sugar cane field in Miyako Is., Okinawa, Japan. In field observations of tethered females on 6 February 2002, calling behaviors were observed only within 30min of sunset time (18 : 25-18 : 55, JST), when light intensity decreased from ca. 500 lx to 1 lx. Mating was strongly affected by temperature : adults appeared and subsequent mating occurred when the temperature at 18 : 00 was higher than 18℃. Females appeared from the soil, flew to settle on sugar cane leaves and commenced rhythmical abdominal expansion and contraction. Males were attracted to the calling females from leeward, landed on or near the calling female, and immediately mounted. After genital connection, the male raised his legs and suspended himself with his genitalia. Mating lasted for ca 2 h. Most mated D. ishigakiensis females neither appeared from the soil nor attracted males until the end of March, so are considered monogamous. In contrast, males appeared from the soil after mating on evenings warmer than 18℃ and probably repeat mating if females are available.
日本応用動物昆虫学会の論文
2004-11-25