Diel Periodicity of Feeding, Mating, and Oviposition of Adult Chrysopa cornea1,2

Abstract

The diel periodicity of feeding, mating, and ovipositional activity of field and laboratory-reared populations of adult Chrysopa carnea Stephens was studied from June 2 to Aug. 15, 1975. Between 9 AM and 6 PM, the adults were mostly inactive and were found primarily in shady areas, usually on the undersides of leaves. Most of the feeding occurred between 6 and 10 PM and between 2 and 9 AM; peak feeding activity occurred between 7 and 8 AM. Mating took place primarily between 7 PM and 2 AM; major activity occurred between 8 and 10 PM, and another small peak occurred between 8 and 9 AM. Most ovipositional activity took place between 8 PM and 1 AM; peak activity was be- tween 9 and 10 PM, and a lesser peak took place between 2 and 3 AM. Most males did not mate until they were 3-4 days old. Males remated readily after a 2-4 day resting period. Some females mated when they were 3 days old, but most were 4 days old at the time of their 1st mating. Only 3 of 15 ♀-remated during a 30-day test period, and they were all confined with more than 1 ♂. Other behavioral activities such as grooming, aggression, and trophallaxis were common preceding copulation. However, these activities were also associated with other types of behavior.