Flight behavior of the sycamore lace bug, Corythucha ciliata, in relation to temperature, age, and sex

Abstract

The flight capacity of different ages and sexes of the sycamore lace bug, Corythucha ciliata, was studied at different temperatures using a flight mill system. The results of regression analysis showed a significant effect of temperature on flight distance (P=0.0082). Temperature did not influence flight duration (P=0.212) or flight speed (P=0.175). The mean flight distance (1 024 m) and mean flight duration were the greatest at 25.2°C. The age of C. ciliata had a significant influence on flight distance (P=0.0005), flight duration (P=0.0005) and flight speed (P=0.026). The 12-d-old adult had the greatest flight distance (887 m), duration (3 875 s) and speed (0.22 m s−1). Flight distances and flight duration of females were significantly longer than that of males. However, the male had significantly greater flight speed than the female. The insect appears to be capable of long distance flights. The understanding of the optimal age and temperature for the flight of this insect through this study provides a foundation for better management of the insect in China.

Keywords

• Corythucha ciliata
• flight capacity
• tethered flight
• temperature
• age and sex