Field trapping of male midges Rheotanytarsus kyotoensis (Diptera : Chironomidae) by sounds

Abstract

The swarming males of Rheotanytarsus kyotoensis were caught by sound traps in the field. The swarms were formed at 0.3-2.5m above the water surface of a river. More than 97% of R. kyotoensis caught from the swarm were males. The swarming males were mainly caught by the sound traps emitting the sound of frequencies between 180 and 300Hz during the experimental period from October to December. However, the most attractive frequency changed to ca. 11Hz/℃ between 8.8 and 18.2℃. Moreover, the swarming males responded to a narrow range of sound frequency at an ambient air temperature.