Preliminary study of the effect of age and mating on the flight ability of the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella
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Key Words：Plutella xylostella, flight ability, flight mill, longevity, fecundity
Abstract：The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), has been proven to be a migratory pest. The study of its flight ability is essential to understanding its pattern of migration. Here, the flight ability of 1, 3, 5 and 7 day old moths, and mated and unmated moths, were tested using a flight mill in a laboratory. The results show that female moths of different ages had different flight ability. Oneday old moths were the worst fliers, whereas 3 day old moths were the best, with a longest flight distance of 10 546 m and flight duration of 11613 h within 12 successive hours. There was no difference in the flight ability of males of 1, 3, 5 and 7 days of age; their longest flight distance was 13 191 m and flight duration was 12 h. Neither was there any difference in the flight ability of mated and unmated male and female moths. The longevity and fecundity of moths were reduced after flight. However, there was no difference in the postflight longevity and fecundity of mated and unmated moths.