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Bull Entomol Res

Title:		Sexual maturation and aging of adult male mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
Author(s):		Mendel Z; Protasov A; Jasrotia P; Silva EB; Zada A; Franco JC;
Address:		"Department of Entomology, Volcani Center, ARO, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel. Centro de Estudos Florestais, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade Tecnica de Lisboa, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal"
Journal Title:		Bull Entomol Res
Year:		2012
Volume:		20111115
Issue:		4
Page Number:		385 - 394
DOI:		10.1017/S0007485311000605
ISSN/ISBN:		1475-2670 (Electronic) 0007-4853 (Linking)
Abstract:		"The physiological age of adult males of seven mealybug species was measured in relation to the elongation of the male pair of the waxy caudal filaments. These filaments begin to emerge after eclosion and reached their maximum length from 29.4-46.6 h. The studied males were divided into three age groups, expressed as percentages of the total waxy caudal filaments length. Attraction to a sex pheromone source was significantly higher in the oldest male group (maximum filaments growth) compared with youngest one. Only the oldest male group copulated successfully; few of the younger males tested displayed 'courtship' behavior towards conspecific virgin females. The calculated duration of the sexually active phase of the adult male life cycle varied among species ranging from 34.4 to 46.6 h. There were marked variations in the strength of attraction to a pheromone source according to time of day. There was a continuous decrease in sexual activity from morning to evening. Our findings reveal clear maturation periods for adult males of the seven studied species. The long immature phase of the adult male mealybug is probably also related to several physiological processes that are needed to complete male maturation. The most noticeable change is the elongation of the waxy caudal filaments. However, mating may be performed at any time ambient conditions are suitable. Whereas male mealybug flight towards a pheromone source is restricted to a few hours, the male may continue mating activity throughout its sexually active period"
Keywords:		"Age Factors Animals Copulation Female Hemiptera/*growth & development Humans Male Sex Attractants/*physiology Sexual Behavior, Animal/*physiology Sexual Maturation/*physiology;"
Notes:		"MedlineMendel, Z Protasov, A Jasrotia, P Silva, E B Zada, A Franco, J C eng England 2011/11/16 Bull Entomol Res. 2012 Aug; 102(4):385-94. doi: 10.1017/S0007485311000605. Epub 2011 Nov 15"