Age-dependent Reproductive Fitness and Behavioral Dynamics of the Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera:Crambidae)

Authors

• Marcela M. Navasero, National Crop Protection Center, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines 4031Follow
• Randolph N. Candano, National Crop Protection Center, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines 4031Follow
• Maricon dP Javier, National Crop Protection Center, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines 4031
• Jethro M. Navasero, National Crop Protection Center, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines 4031
• Wilson N. de Panis, Environmental Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4031 Laguna, Philippines

Publication Date

12-1-2025

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of parental age of the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), on fecundity, egg hatchability, adult longevity, and the duration of pre-oviposition, oviposition, and post-oviposition periods using arranged mating pairs aged 1 to 5 days old. Mating behavior was also observed and documented. The highest fecundity, measured by the number of egg masses and total eggs produced, was recorded in pairings of 1-day-old males and females, indicating a positive effect of young parental age. In contrast, pairings involving 5-day-old males and females resulted in the lowest egg production, demonstrating an inverse relationship between parental age and fecundity. Egg hatchability was primarily influenced by female age and was less affected by male age. The age of mating pairs under contained conditions also significantly affected adult longevity. Contrary to the general assumption that delayed mating prolongs lifespan in insects, both male and female ACB exhibited longer longevity when 1-day-old males were paired with 1-day-old females, and shorter longevity when paired with 5-day-old counterparts. The pre-oviposition period was negatively correlated with both male and female age at mating, with younger adults exhibiting shorter pre-oviposition periods. Conversely, the oviposition period was significantly longer in younger males and females. No significant differences were observed in the post-oviposition period among females across different age combinations. Distinct courtship and mating behaviors were observed, including vigorous wing vibration by males in an upright position and repeated antennal tapping. Males oriented their bodies perpendicular to the female’s abdomen while extruding the posterior abdominal brush. During copulation, wing vibration ceased while antennal tapping increased, and the longest copulation duration recorded was 1 hour and 32 minutes. These findings provide insights for pest management strategies, suggesting that targeting younger adults or disrupting early mating behavior may help reduce ACB population buildup in the field significantly.

Recommended Citation

Navasero, Marcela M.; Candano, Randolph N.; Javier, Maricon dP; Navasero, Jethro M.; and de Panis, Wilson N. (2025) "Age-dependent Reproductive Fitness and Behavioral Dynamics of the Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera:Crambidae)," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 108: No. 5, Article 5.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol108/iss5/5