Aggregation behavior of Phyllophaga cuyabana (Moser) (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae): relationships between sites chosen for mating and offspring distribution

Abstract

The aggregation behavior of Phyllophaga cuyabana (Moser) was studied and the hypothesis that the cluster distribution of larvae of this pest into the soil is related to the sites where females from the previous generation had aggregated for mating was investigated. Field observations and greenhouse experiments carried out in Londrina County, State of Paraná, South Brazil, indicated that: a) during flight, adult females of P. cuyabana select plants, which are more conspicuous for landing and/or attracting males; b) tall plants, nearby soybean fields, might be preferred because female adults do not move far from the mating sites before digging themselves into the soil to lay eggs; c) high density of eggs and larvae occurs close to the adult aggregation sites. There is a negative correlation between larval density in the soil and distance from adult aggregation sites.