No abstract

Can. Ent. 104: 567-576 (1972) The preferred host of the cluster fly, Pollenia rudis Fab., in Ontario is reported to be the earthworm Eisenia rosea Sav. Periodic field digging revealed the immature stages of P. rudis feeding, or in close association with, E. rosea. In addition P. rudis was reared in the laboratory on E. rosea but could not be reared on any of the other species of earthworm found in the field.For the first time in North America the complete life history, along with each of the immature stages of P. rudis, is described. The differences between P. rudis from North America and those from France are indicated.Finally, the authors speculate that there are two strains, or species, of P. rudis in France: one is host-specific to the earthworm Allolobophora chlorotica Sav. and the other to E. rosea. Only the strain with E. rosea as its preferred host has as yet been reported from Canada. Volume 104 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST 569

The existence of a chemical female sex pheromone in the Oriental fruit moth has been demonstrated; it both attracts and sexually excites adult males. Males without antennae are neither attracted to, nor sexually stimulated by, the pheromone. Thus, the pheromone appears to be essential for reproduction. Active pheromone can be extracted with benzene from the tips of virgin female abdomens and bioassayed with males. The gland believed to produce the pheromone was located and examined histologically. It is now possible to investigate the chemical nature of the pheromone and its possible use in the control of the Oriental fruit moth.

The first matings of males resulted in the transfer of large spermatophores, while subsequent matings resulted in smaller and eventually no spermatophore. The transfer of a spermatophore was not required to produce a normal number of fertile eggs. Some young males inseminated two females within 24 hours and regardless of whether or not a spermatophore was formed the number of resulting progeny was normal. Thus males were found to be capable of inseminating more females than the yield of spermatophores obtained by dissecting females indicated.Virgin females increased in attractiveness with age at least until their fifth day.

No abstract