Field observations on the swarming behavior of Armigeres subalbatus (COQ) (Diptera : Culicidae).

ABSTRACT

Swarming behavior of Armigeres subalbatus was observed in Pondicherry, South India. Swarming occurred both at dawn and dusk over stationary markers. The duration of swarming was longer at dust (135 minutes) and shorter at dawn (75 minutes). Higher intensity in terms of relative density of participating males was observed at dusk when compared to dawn. Peak swarming activity was observed at light intensity ranging between 10 and 183 lux. Response to low light intensity of 1-10 lux was different during dawn and dusk. At this intensity initiation took place at dawn and termination was seen at dusk. Mating pairs were seen in the swarm. Analysis of the composition of swarms showed a male to female ratio of 10.01 at dusk and 10.02 at dawn. Besides nulliparous females, a few one parous and two parous females were also obtained from the swarm.