Observations on the life history, mating and fecundity of Platycorynus parryi Baly
Author of the article:HE Hai-Min** XIAO Liang FU Shu XUE Fang-Sen ***
Author's Workplace:Institute of Entomology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
Key Words: Platycorynus parryi, life history, mating, reproduction
Abstract:
[Objectives] To explore the life history, mating behavior and reproduction of Platycorynus parryi Baly. [Methods] Adults from the overwintering generation were allowed to reproduce under natural conditions and their mating behaviors, fecundity and longevity was observed under different temperatures. [Results] Platycorynus parryi is a serious pest of Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) in China. It has one generation a year and overwinters as larvae at a depth of 3-5 cmin soil in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province. The overwintering larvae pupate in mid-April. Adults appear in late April. Under natural conditions, the egg stage was (11.81±0.17) days, the larval stage 300-330 days and the pupal stage (13.62±0.13) days. Adult longevity was (47.99±0.65) days. Adult mated 3-4 days after emergence and mated on average (3.55±0.11) times per day. Mating duration ranged from 5 to 140 min with a mean of (28.11±0.89) min. The mating duration for older adults was significantly shorter than for young adults. The interval between two consecutive mating bouts ranged from 3 to 426 min with a mean of (74.75±3.19)min. The duration of the between-mating interval for older adults was significantly shorter than for young adults. Adults laid eggs 2-3days after mating; mean egg-production per female was 169. Temperature had significant effects on the longevity of females which declined with increasing temperature. However, temperature had no significant effects on the longevity of males or on egg-production. [Conclusion] P. parryi has one generation a year and overwinters as larvae in soil in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province. Adults can mate multiple times and adult age has significant effects on mating behaviors. Temperature has no significant effects on fecundity.