ASPECTS OF MATING, OVIPOSITION, AND FLIGHT IN THE SATIN MOTH, LEUCOMA SALICIS (LEPIDOPTERA: LYMANTRIIDAE)

Abstract

Mating, oviposition, and flight in the satin moth, Leucoma salicis (L.), were studied in an aspen forest in Maine during 1975 and 1976. Adult eclosion normally occurred between 0800 h (EST) and 2300 h, with males emerging earlier both daily and seasonally. Female calling behavior and mating occurred shortly after sunset on the day of eclosion. Mating lasted ca. 19 h, terminating prior to sunset; low temperatures extended the period of mating. Multiple mating was observed in males and females. Oviposition normally occurred between 1600 and 2330 h. The largest egg masses were the first laid, with sequentially smaller masses laid on following days. Confined females laid an average of 4.6 egg masses containing a total of 650 eggs. Female flight normally followed oviposition of the first egg mass; thereafter, the period of daily flight often preceded oviposition. Male flight started at 0500 h, peaked between 1600 and 2100 h, and ended at 0130 h. Adult longevity under confined field conditions averaged 8.6 days for males and 9.4 days for females.