Mating behavior and evidence for male-produced sex pheromones in Leptoglossus clypealis (Heteroptera : Coreidae)

Mating behavior of the leaffooted but Leptoglossus clypcalis Heidemann was studied in the laboratory (27 +/- 1 degrees C, 60 +/- 10% RH, photoperiod 1 6:8 [L:D] h). The mean premating period was 16.42 +/- 0.42, d (mean +/- SE) . Males initiated courtship displays to females 8.13 +/- 0.12 d after emerg ence. Paired adults mated 17.63 +/- 2.02 times during their lifespan. The m ean copulation duration was 3.85 +/- 0.49 h. Copulations occurred throughou t the day, but the majority (55%) took place during the 8 h scotophase. Mat ing behavior began with a male attracting a female from a distance, followe d by the male approaching and. courting the female at close range. Observat ions of mating behavior and bioassays indicated that the male produces a ph eromone blend with both sex attractant and aphrodisiac functions. The male abdominal stretching behavior (stretching the ninth and part of the eighth abdominal segments frequently, and stroking them with the hind legs) during calling and courtship may aid in release and dispersal of male sex pheromo ne from the ses-specific ventral abdominal gland.