Abstract:

[Objectives] To describe the mating and oviposition behavior of Emeia pseudosauteri in order to further understanding of its biology and promote the artificial breeding of this species. [Methods] The mating and oviposition of E. pseudosauteri were studied in laboratory experiments and observed in the field. [Results] Male-male, female-female and male-male encounters before mating were documented and the mating process is described in detail. Mating positions were of the upper and lower position (or “∠” type) and the tail-to-tail position (or “-” type), the latter being derived from the former. Male and female adults could mate multiple times, with mating disruption and false mating common among males. The peaks of mating activity were from 20:00-22:00 with a mating rate of 20.8%, and from 12:00-14:00 with a mating rate of 15.1%. Females tended to lay eggs on wet moss, often clustered in bundles or lines. Females could lay repeatedly, but most eggs (up to 67.82%) were laid in the first egg mass produced, with successively fewer eggs being laid in subsequent egg masses. The number of eggs laid by a single female after multiple matings (up to 45) was higher than that after a single mating (up to 20 eggs). The quantity of eggs laid and the number of oviposition bouts were related to female weight, heavier females produced more egg masses and more eggs in each egg mass. [Conclusion] The mating and oviposition behavior of E. pseudosauteri has some species-specific characteristics but is otherwise similar to the behavior of other fireflies.

Key words: firefly, Emeia pseudosauteri, mating, oviposition