ISSN:
1572-8889
Keywords:
Phytoecia rufiventris
;
mating behavior
;
communication
;
courtship
;
Cerambycidae
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Sexual behavior between males and females, as well as between males, is described and discussed for the cerambycid beetlePhytoecia rufiventris. The beetles' taxis toward plants taller than average height brings the sexes together from a distance. A male may mount another individual (male or female) and attempt copulation without sex discrimination. The male can discern the sex of another individual only when the terminal part of his abdomen touches the ventral surface of the fifth visible sternite of the latter. No evidence of a sex pheromone is found in this species. Within 1.5–5.5 cm the substrateborne vibrations produced by a moving individual may be the important factor which elicits males to approach a moving individual and attempt copulation. If a female is receptive when a male touches her, he can copulate with her without any courtship display. However, if the female runs away and appears unreceptive, the male will perform courtship displays. Copulation is usually terminated by males. Homosexual behavior between males is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02213723
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