Spatial dynamics of teak defoliator (Hyblaea puera Cramer) - Cochin ...

was observed at around 06.15 h on the next day (Fig.6.1.). Four moths were found
of which two were females. One more moth emerged at 12.00 h. No emergence
was noticed until 07.00 hrs on the next day. Ten moths were found emerged at
07.00 h. At 09.00 h, 13 moths had emerged. No further emergence was noticed
during the next day.
2. The moths that emerged in the cage spent nearly I hour before they were able
to fly.
3. Feeding commenced after about 5 hours from the time ofemergence.
4. A single pair of moths was found to start mating behaviour at 01.40 h. The
duration ofcopulation was found to be 200min.
5. Before mating, the females exhibited characteristic calling behaviour (lifting of
wings, curving of abdomen and protrusion and retraction of terminal abdominal
segments).
6.0bservations outside the cage revealed that during the time of emergence of
moths from a densely populated site, birds flock in and feed on the newly
emerged moths while they are unable to move by flight.
6.3.2. Aggregation
Finding moth aggregations depended on chance. Since systematic
observations are difficult, only limited data could be generated. The first
aggregation of moths was found on 16 April 1993 on the top of a hillock at
Thannikkadavu in Kariem Muriem. This area was under outbreak; egg-laying had
occurred during the period 9-11 April. The moths were found on the undergrowth
and moved only when disturbed. The group consisted ofboth freshly emerged and
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