Mating behavior of the cryptomeria bark borer, Semanotus japonicus Lacordaire (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Mating behavior of the cryptomeria bark borer, Semanotus japonicus, was studied using glass containers, a wind tunnel and a T-shaped olfactometer. The mating sequence showed that an olfactory cue emitted by females and was effective at close range. Choice test using a T-shaped olfactometer showed a significant preference to female odor by males whereas females were not attracted to male nor female odor. Removal of antennae and blinding in males delay copulation, while similar treatment did not have any effect on females. Males did not show copulatory attempts even after contact with females that had been washed with hexane. Males tried to copulate with the glass rod impregnated recently or seven days earlier with female surface and abdominal rinse. This suggested that some substance on the female body surface is responsible for eliciting copulation and the substance is stable and not volatile.