STARVATION OF CABBAGE-LOOPER MOTHS (LEPIDOPTERA, NOCTUIDAE) INCREASESATTRACTION TO MALE PHEROMONE

We compared the attraction of fed versus unfed cabbage looper moths, T richoplusia ni (Hubner), to male pheromone. Significantly more starved females and starved males were attracted to male pheromone than were females or males that were provided a sugar-honey mixture. Food availa bility did not affect male attractiveness or male pheromone production , only female responsiveness. Female T. ni that were fed either honey, fructose, glucose, maltose, or sucrose were less likely to respond to male pheromone, compared to females that were not fed. Cabbage looper moth attraction to male pheromone may he related to food-finding beha vior.