Phototaxis of Dendroctonus armandi adults to LED lights

Author of the article:ZHA Yu-Ping；ZHANG Zi-Yi； CHEN Jing-Yuan；HONG Cheng-Hao； CHENG Yu；HUA Xiang；YI Jia-Xi

Author's Workplace： Hubei Academy of Forestry, Wuhan 430075, China; Hubei Ecology Polytechnic College, Wuhan 430200, China; Station of Forest Pests Management and Quarantine of Shennongjia, Shennongjia 442400, China; Forestry Pest Predators Breeding Farm of Shennongjia, Shennongjia 442400, China

Key Words：Dendroctonus armandi; spectra; phototaxis; photophobism; LED

Abstract：[Objectives]  To develop a specialized light trap for Dendroctonus armandi Tsai et Li. [Methods]  The phototactic response of adult D. armandi beetles to LED lights of different wavelengths was studied in a laboratory and the relative attractiveness of different wavelengths to both male and female adults analyzed. [Results]  All light wavelengths tested（365-665 nm, 1 000 lx）elicited phototactic behavioral responses. Female adults were most sensitive to ultraviolet light (365-370 nm) with a 60% phototaxis rate, whereas males were most sensitive to green light (515-535 nm) with a 52.5% phototaxis rate. Neither sex was photophobic to any wavelength. The sexes differed significantly (P<0.01) in their response to red light (655-665 nm) but not to any other wavelength (P>0.05). Light intensity had a significant effect on phototaxis in the ultraviolet region (365-370 nm); both sexes were most attracted to a light intensity of 1 000 lx. [Conclusion]  Males are more sensitive to light intensity, which suggests that there could be sexual differences in the photoreceptor system of adult D. armandi. These results provide a scientific basis for research and development of a light trap for adult D. armandi.