Diel activity pattern of neoempheria ferruginea (Brunetti) (Diptera: Mycetophilidae), a harmful fungus fly in lentinula edodes sawdust-based cultivation

Abstract

The diel activity pattern of Neoempheria ferruginea, a harmful fungus fly in the sawdust-based cultivation of shiitake, Lentinula edodes, was studied at 20 C under a photoperiodic regime consisting of a 16-h photophase and an 8-h scotophase. Adult eclosion occurred at photophase in 93% of males and 95% of females. Adult activities showed two peaks: one around when the light was turned off and the other soon after the light was turned on. Copulation occurred mainly around when the light was turned off (40%)or on (40%). These results suggest that the adults are active mainly at dusk and dawn under natural conditions. The duration of copulation was 16.6 ± 7.7 h (mean ± SD).