Abstract
Preliminary observations and experiments on the mating behaviour and sex pheromone of Spodoptera litura F. were carried out. Peak of adult emergence appeared 1 to 2 hr after sunset or light-off. Mating also occurred most frequently 1 to 2 hr after sunset, and more than 80% of the pairs copulated before mid-night. Adult age was an important factor for mating success. Maximum mating was recorded for 3rd- to 4th-day-adults. Virgin female attracts a number of male moths in the field. Fifteen virgin females attracted and captured 113.7 males per trap per night. Attractiveness of the virgin female seemed to be strengthened in black light. Attraction for male moths was due to a sex pheromone produced by the virgin female. The sex pheromone is considered to be composed of at least two unsaturated alcohol acetates.
