A SYNOPSIS OF THE BIONOMICS OF PHODAGA ALTICEPS (COLEOPTERA: MELOIDAE) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SEXUAL BEHAVIOR

Abstract

A detailed analysis of male courtship behavior in Phodaga alticeps LeC. is presented. Although behavior in this species shares the basic pattern characterizing the subfamily Meloinae, several unique features are present. These include the mounted male being supported primarily by the substrate rather than the body of the female, and the anterior positioning of the male’s middle legs during most of the courtship period. Male stimulation of the female is tactual in nature and consists of periodically curling the antennae around those of the female and at the same time stimulating her maxillary palpi with the middle legs. Bouts of tactual display alternate throughout courtship with periods of male quiescence. Genital insertion attempts are rare in this species and probably occur only prior to copulation. Besides a description of male behavior the structural modifications functionally correlated with courtship are described; and concomitant female behavior and its effects on the male are discussed. In addition, the pattern of courtship in P. alticeps is compared to that of other meloids. Particular attention is given to behavior in its closest relative, Negalius marmoratus Casey.Other aspects of the bionomics of P. alticeps are also treated in this paper. Geographic distribution, seasonal distribution, feeding behavior, defense, antennal cleaning, and oviposition behavior are stressed.