Courtship and mating behavior of <i>Megastigmus pinus</i> Parfitt (Hymenoptera: Torymidae)
Abstract
The courtship and mating behavior of <i>Megastigmus pinus</i> Parfitt was observed in insect cages and under a dissecting microscope in petri dishes. Courtship had 6 components: a premounting rocking performance by the male; mounting by the male to a dorsal riding position on the female; antennation and abdominal and wing movement by the male; a series of forward lurches by the male; signaling of receptivity by the female, and subsequent movement of the male to position for copulation. The average durations of mounting and copulation were 6.76 min and 23.5 sec, respectively. Short courtship and copulation times may reduce the risk of predation.References
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