Abstract: 【Aim】 The phototaxis of moths is directly related to the transformation of light and dark-adapted states of compound eyes. This study aims to clarify the relationship between light and transformation of light- and dark-adapted states of compound eyes of Spodoptera frugiperda. 【Methods】 Quickly taking photos at different time, the light- or dark-adapted state of compound eyes, light and dark-adapted transformation rate of S. frugiperda under light- or dark-adapted state and exposed to yellow light of different light intensities were statistically investigated. 【Results】 The maintenance rate of light-adapted state of compound eyes of S. frugiperda adults gradually increased as the light intensity increased after exposure to yellow light for 1 h under light-adapted state, those of males under yellow light at 0.1-0.5 and 4-6 lx were 67.77% (32.23% into dark-adapted and middle states) and 100%, respectively, while those of females under yellow light at 7-10 lx reached 98.90%. When S. frugiperda adults were exposed to yellow light for 3 h under light-adapted state, the maintenance rate of light-adapted state of compound eyes also gradually increased as the light intensity increased, those of males and females under yellow light at 0.1-0.5 lx were 50.00% and 32.23%, and those of females and males under yellow light at 7-10 lx were 90.00% and 100%, respectively. When S. frugiperda adults were exposed to yellow light at different intensities for 30 min under dark-adapted state, the compound eyes gradually transformed into light-adapted state, the light-adapted transformation rates of compound eyes of both females and males under yellow light at 0.1-0.5 lx were 93.33%, and those of females under yellow light at 0.6-0.9 lx and males under yellow light at 1-2 lx were 100%. 【Conclusion】 These results suggest that S. frugiperda adults have strong photosensitivity, and females are slightly more photosensitive than males.

Key words: Spodoptera frugiperda, compound eye, light adaptation, dark adaptation, yellow light, photosensitivity