Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2000
Thesis Director
Paul V. Switzer
Abstract
Sex-biased emergence patterns are common in insects resulting in either protandry (males emerging before females) or protogyny (females emerging before males). The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, has been shown to exhibit protandry but shows some characteristics of a protogynous species. For example, females mate and oviposit multiple times and this species displays last male sperm advantage. This study investigated the emergence and egg laying patterns of Japanese beetles in east-central Illinois. Although variation existed among study sites none showed protandry and overall they displayed protogyny. Females did not initiate oviposition until several days after emergence and the number of eggs laid remained relatively constant over time. Thus, emergence patterns and reproductive biology suggest Japanese beetles in this population may be protogynous.
Recommended Citation
Van Timmeren, Steven J., "Emergence and Reproductive Patterns in the Japanese Beetle, Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)" (2000). Masters Theses. 1605.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/1605
