Abstract: The photosensitivity and spectral responsiveness of cotton bollworm (CBW) moth, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) were determined by an electroretinogram (ERG) recording method. The results indicated: (1) different monochromatic light within U. V. and most of visible light region across the spectrum ranging from 340 nm to 605 nm may induce ERG reactions of CBW's compound eye with different amplitudes. According to the size of ERG amplitude (peak-peak value), there were three peaks in their spectral sensitivity curves, the major one appeared at 562 nm (Green), the second 483 nm (Blue) and the third 400 nm, suggesting at least three types receptors in the compound eye of CBW moth. (2) Sex, day-age, and dark-adapted time affected its spectral sensitivity. Young male moth was more sensitive than young female, while old moth in opposite; the size of ERG amplitude of 3-day-old moth was highest in 1-5 days old moth; the moth photosensitivity got stronger with dark-adapted time lasting. (3) In a certain intensity range of monochromatic and white light stimuli, the stronger the luminance got, the higher the ERG value of a certain age CBW moth, a near S shape curve appeared. This suggests the compound eye of CBW moth has a strong adapting ability to light.

Key words: Helicoverpa armigera, compound eye, electroretinogram (ERG), spectral sensitivity, light stimuli