Mating Behavior of the European Corn Borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner)

Abstract

The European corn borers for this study were raised on artificial diet. The adult moths were placed in cage for mating and their behavior was observed. The moths’ day-night cycle was reversed so that work with cinematography could be done in a darkened room during the day. Mating crosses were made between male and female adult moths from Minnesota, New York, and Wisconsin strains. The moths’ mating behavior is described and the crossing of geographical strains is documented.