Mating behavior of an aphidophagous ladybird beetle, Propylea dissecta (Mulsant)

  1. OMKAR*,
  2. PERVEZ AHMAD

Article first published online: 22 FEB 2005

DOI: 10.1111/j.1672-9609.2005.00006.x

Issue

Insect Science

Insect Science

Volume 12, Issue 1, pages 37–44, February 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

OMKAR and AHMAD, P. (2005), Mating behavior of an aphidophagous ladybird beetle, Propylea dissecta (Mulsant). Insect Science, 12: 37–44. doi: 10.1111/j.1672-9609.2005.00006.x

Author Information

  1. Ladybird Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India

* Omkar, Ladybird Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226 007, India. Tel: +91 522 2740382, +91 941 5757747; e-mail: omkaar55@hotmail.com

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 22 FEB 2005
  2. Article first published online: 22 FEB 2005
  3. Accepted October 8, 2004

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Keywords:

  • Propylea dissecta;
  • Coccinellidae;
  • reproduction;
  • mating;
  • behavior

Abstract The mating behavior of Propylea dissecta (Mulsant) was investigated in detail. Protandry was evident, as males mature earlier than females. Predicted age of sexual maturation of male and female ladybirds was 7.12 and 9.33 days, respectively. Males performed courtship in six steps, viz. approach, watch, examine, embrace, mount and attempt. Embrace is possibly an appeasement act, while examine serves to recognize mate. Chemical signals initiate male attraction toward females. Visual and tactile cues appear to secondarily help in mate recognition. Mating lasted longest (275.40±12.23 min) when it occurred between unmated individuals. It was much shorter (176.60±5.60 min) when prior mated individuals copulated. There was a significant decrease in mating durations when adults were subjected to five successive matings. Fecundity and percent egg viability increased significantly with increase in the number of matings.

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