Age-dependent chemical signalling and its consequences for mate attraction in the gumleaf skeletonizer moth, Uraba lugens

Abstract

Theoretical models predict that virgin females at risk of not mating should strategically adjust their signalling investment as they age, with older, virgin females investing more to attract males. We explored how adult age influences the ‘calling’ (pheromone-releasing) behaviour of virgin female gumleaf skeletonizer moths, Uraba lugens, over four consecutive 10 h scotophases (dark periods). Adult virgin females commenced calling shortly after the onset of the scotophase. We found that female investment in calling behaviour changed with age: but in contrast with theoretical predictions and empirical observations in other species, older females were less likely to call and spent less time cal..