Weather Forecasting by Insects: Modified Sexual Behaviour in Response to Atmospheric Pressure Changes

摘要: Prevailing abiotic conditions may positively or negatively impact insects at both the individual and population levels. For example while moderate rainfall wind velocity provide that favour development, as well movement within between habitats, high winds heavy rains can significantly decrease life expectancy. There is some evidence adjust their behaviours associated with flight, mating foraging in response to changes barometric pressure. We studied different of three taxonomically unrelated insects, curcurbit beetle, Diabrotica speciosa (Coleoptera), true armyworm moth, Pseudaletia unipuncta (Lepidoptera) potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Hemiptera), when subjected natural experimentally manipulated atmospheric In decreasing pressure, male beetles exhibited decreased locomotory activity a Y-tube olfactometer female pheromone extracts. However, placed close proximity females, they reduced courtship sequences precopulatory period. Under same situations, females aphid calling behaviour. Neither nor differed stable increasing pressure conditions. case there was significant incidence under rising conditions, suggesting an effect on When rose, very few M. oviparae called. This similar situation observed consequently little this species except All behavioural modifications, but were interspecific differences related size-related flight ability diel periodicity activity. postulate behavioral especially would reduce probability injury death adverse weather