Abstract:

To determine the behavior response of Menochilus sexmaculates to different colors, the choice-test by using handmade devices was carried out to investigate the oviposition and behavior preference of M. sexmaculates in response to 8 colors. The results revealed that the largest oviposition times and total egg production were observed on transparent card (97 oviposition times and 926 eggs), followed by purple card (39 oviposition times and 435 eggs), while they were the lowest on black card (1 oviposition time and 4 eggs). Moreover, the average number of egg production on transparent, purple, red and yellow card was not significantly different, but which was higher than that of other colors. Notably, the results also demonstrated that both transparent and purple traps appeared to be more attractive in capturing M. sexmaculates than other traps. Overall, these findings indicate that M. sexmaculates has an oviposition preference to transparent substances and shows a strong behavior preference to both transparent and purple traps. Thereby, the results could provide theoretical bases for natural enemy breeding, collection and utilization and biological control of M. sexmaculates.

Key words: Menochilus sexmaculates, color, selective test, oviposition preference, behavioral response