Feeding and reproductive behavior of the mango pulp weevil, Sternochetus frigidus (Fabr.)

Issue Date

10-2004

Abstract

The behavioral activities of S. frigidus (Fabr.) were quantitatively determined and categorized by location. The sequence of mating and oviposition behavior was also documented. Mango flowers at full-bloom and green mango fruits at chicken-egg-size are important in the life of the mango pulp weevil. At full-bloom, the weevil crawls on the flower to feed. When the fruit attains the size of a chicken egg, it becomes the mating and oviposition site. The mating behavior of the mango pulp weevil suggests that the female does not use chemical cues to initiate the mating process and that the male initiates mating by approaching the female. It is the full-bloom mango flower and chicken-egg-size mango fruit that likely mediate the behavior of the mango pulp weevil. It was established that the weevil is more of a crawler than a flier. The observations on the behavioral activities of the insect are important inputs in the development of effective control measures, particularly in the proper timing of insecticide application and in designing traps.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

18

Issue

2

Page

179

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

CURCULIONIDAE; MANGOES; PLANT PESTS; FRUIT PUPLS; REPRODUCTION; ANIMAL ANATOMY; ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY

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