Windtunnel and behavioural tests

A 160cm x 75cm x 75cm wind tunnel, similar to that described by Rojas (1999b), is used for behavioural tests. A Fischbach speed controller fan (D340/E1, FDR32, Neunkirchen, Germany) pushes air through the tunnel with an air speed of 0.35m/s. Four charcoal filters (145mm x 457mm, carbon thickness 16mm, Camfil Farr) cleans the incoming air. A two choice assay is used to test the attractivity of differently scented flowers. To eliminate visual stimuli from the scenting flowers, they are offered at the upwind end of the tunnel behind gaze and different metal grids, so that they are invisible to the moths. Single moths are put in the wind tunnel and released at the downwind end of the tunnel. Data are recorded for the so-called zigzagg flight, if the insects finally flew to within 5cm of one of the flowers. The experiments are performed in the night at red light illumination (<0.01µE) 1-3 hours after start of the dark period. The temperature is adjusted to 22-24°C, but the relative humidity remains uncontrolled.

Rojas, J.C., 1999b. Influence of age, sex and mating status, egg load, prior exposure to mates, and time of day on host-finding behavior of Mamestra brassicae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Environ. Entomol. 28, 155-162.