1Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Faculty of Science, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Research Management & Innovation Complex, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
*Corresponding author's E-mail: fauziah@um.edu.my
The study on mating behaviour of Rhytidodera simulans White (coleoptera: cerambycidae) and presence of sex pheromone, if any, was conducted at several mango plantations at Kampong Sungai Serai, chuping, Perlis. the adults were obtained from laboratory rearing. the mating sequence of R. Simulans includes the male locating the female using the antenna, male dashing, collision and male contact with female using his antennae, male mounting and copulation. the mounting duration was 8.24 ± 0.52 min and the copulation duration was 13.24 ± 0.940 min. Delay in mounting was due to male intruders, fighting between males, male confusion for mate choice between two females. Monogamy and pair-bond existed between one copulating pair. A positive response was shown by male R. simulans in t-shaped olfactometer which was attracted to a live female bait and female chloroform extract. In dual choice bioassay, living adult female R. simulans did not show any significant preference towards all treatments. This is the first study which shows evidence of a male attracted to female R. simulans in laboratory bioassays.
Mating behaviour, Cerambycidae, Mangifera indica, Rhytidodera simulans, Olfactory
