Effects of Methoprene on Chemical Communication, Courtship, and Oviposition in the Cabbage Looper (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Adult cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hübner), moths were topically treated with methoprene to determine the effect of this juvenile hormone mimic on the sequence of reproductive activities. Treatment of adults with a dose of methoprene that interferes with larval development did not alter pheromone production or calling behavior of females, the anemotactic flight of males, or courtship behavior. However, oviposition by virgin and mated females increased significantly after treatment with methoprene. In addition, hatch-ability of eggs laid by mated females was significantly reduced when they were treated with methoprene.