EFFECTS OF METHOPRENE ON CHEMICAL COMMUNICATION, COURTSHIP, AND OVIPOSITION IN THE CABBAGE-LOOPER (LEPIDOPTERA, NOCTUIDAE)

Adult Trichoplusia ni were topically treated with methoprene to determine the effect of this juvenile hormone mimic on the sequence of reproductive activities. Treatment of adults with a dose of methoprene that interferes with larval development did not alter pheromone production or calling behaviour of females, the anemotactic flight of males, or courtship behaviour, but oviposition increased significantly. Hatchability of eggs laid by mated females was significantly reduced when they were treated with methoprene. -from Authors