Phototactic Behavior of the Armand Pine Bark Weevil,Pissodes punctatus

Abstract

The Armand pine bark weevil, Pissodes punctatus Langor et Zhang (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a destructive bark weevil on the Armand pine, Pinus armandii Franch (Pinales: Pinaceae), an important timbering tree in southern China. This study examined the phototactic behavior ïéP. punctatus through observation of behavioral characteristics, response to nine monochromatic lights (ranging from 340 nm to 689 nm with about 40-nm step), and response to five intensities (ranging from 1 lux to 200 lux) of the most attractive light. The results demonstrated that P. punctatus was most active in the day, and kept still at night (or in a dark room). P. punctatus could be attracted to eight of nine monochromatic lights, the exception being red light (649 nm), which implied broad sensitivity to the spectrum of light. P. punctatus was most sensitive to violet (415 nm), ultraviolet (340 nm), and green (504 nm) light, suggesting there might be at least three types of photoreceptors in the compound eyes of this weevil. Furthermore, low intensities elicited an increased phototactic response, and high intensities a decreased phototactic response, under both violet and UV light. Thus, P. punctatus were found to be phototactic insects, and the phototactic behavior of P. punctatus is both a color and intensity preference. The information provided here provides a basis for the improvement of trapping devices for detection and survey of P. punctatus, as well as a basis for the development of alternate control strategies for this important pest of Armand pine and other pine trees.

The light at the end of the tunnel: photosensitivity in larvae of the mountain pine beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

“…While both LW and UV opsins expressed in the compound eyes are likely to function in adult D. ponderosae dispersal, UV wavelengths are more directly linked to navigation in weevils and other insects (Chen et al . 2013; Wang et al . 2013; Stone et al .…”

“…2010; Chen et al . 2013). The mechanisms by which cryptic insects that lack external photoreceptor organs ( i.e.…”

“…Photoreception and its downstream physiological effects can directly or indirectly influence insect life cycles and behaviour, with outcomes dependent on the developmental and physiological state of the insect during exposure (Gilbert 1994;Bradshaw and Holzapfel 2007). For example, insects use photoperiodic time measurement for circadian entrainment and developmental synchronisation (Bradshaw and Holzapfel 2007), and phototaxis behaviour to facilitate dispersal, resource location, and threat avoidance (Gilbert 1994;Jackowska et al 2007;Xiang et al 2010;Chen et al 2013). The mechanisms by which cryptic insects that lack external photoreceptor organs (i.e., are "eyeless") regulate these and other light-dependent physiological processes are not well understood.…”

The photokinesis of oriental fruit flies, Bactrocera dorsalis, to LED lights of various wavelengths

“…Our observations are consistent with the finding that B. dorsalis adults were most active in the day, and kept still at night (or in a dark room). Day-active phytophagous insects usually display the strongest phototactic reaction to wavelengths from 500 to 580 nm, while being generally blind to red (649 nm) and infrared light (Cohnstaedt et al, 2008;Chen et al, 2013). Insects indiscriminately respond to green objects including non-host plants (Couty et al, 2006).…”

Pest survey card on Pissodes cibriani, P. fasciatus, P. nemorensis, P. nitidus, P. punctatus, P. strobi, P. terminalis, P. yunnanensis and P. zitacuarense

“…The only species for which additional figures are provided is P. punctatus, with an average flight distance below 50 m per flying event (direct observations conducted in open-air conditions by Chen et al (2013)).…”