The effect of converted magnetic fields on orientation behavior of armyworm moths Mythimna separata (Walker)

Author of the article:GAO Yue-Bo1, 2 HU Gao1 ZHAI Bao-Ping1**

Author's Workplace：1. Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease andInsect Pests, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Nanjing 210095, China. 2. Key Laboratory ofIntegrated Pest Management on Crops in Northeast, Ministry of Agriculture,InstituteofPlantProtectionJilinAcademyof Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling 136100,China

Key Words：artificial simulated magnetic fields, Mythimna separata, orientation behavior, local geomagnetic field, horizontal component reversed, strong magnetic field, magnetic inclination

Abstract：[Objectives]  To determine the effect of converted magnetic fields on the orientation behavior of armyworm moths Mythimna separata (Walker) and to provide a theoretical basis for the behavioral mechanisms of aerial migratory insects. [Methods] The orientation behavior of M. separata was studied in artificial simulated magnetic fields.  [Results]  Experimental moths exhibited significant common axial orientation with respect to local geomagnetic fields. The moths obviously changed their heading in stronger magnetic field in which case the common orientation disappeared. Orientation behavior was not affected by changing the polarity of the horizontal component of the magnetic field. [Conclusion]  Magnetic inclination may provide the compass cues required for aerial migratory insects to achieve collective orientation like birds.