Abstract: In order to explore the rhythm of sex production and release of Parocneria orienta Chao, to establish the basis for using sex pheromone to monitor and control the pest, the emergence, calling, mating and oviposition behaviors of P. orienta were studied through observations in the fields and in the laboratory under the conditions of 22±1℃, 75%-80% RH and 14L∶10D photoperiod. The circadian rhythm of sex pheromone production and release in P. orienta were studied by determining the electroantennogram (EAG) response. The results showed that the emergence of P. orienta happened during the day, especially from 1:00 to 5:00, accounting for 44.94% of the total. The nuptial flight and mating behaviors took place from 7:30 to 11:00. The peak of mating occurred at 8:30 or so. The calling and mating behaviors were both observed during the photophase. Calling time varied with the age of female, with older (2- to 3-dayold) virgin females calling later and longer calling duration than younger (1-day-old) females. The 1-day-old female had shorter lasting time of mating. The mating rate of 2-day-old females was the highest (36.67%). The maximum oviposition in the whole life of a female was up to 402 eggs, and the minimum was 78 eggs. The amount of pheromone in the gland was relatively low at 1 d after emergence, with a peak at 2 d after emergence, and then decreased gradually day by day. The amount of pheromone of 2-day-old virgin females began to increase gradually post 7:00, with the peak between 8:30 and 9:30, and then decreased gradually post 9:30. EAG response was the strongest from 8:30 to 9:00. The peak of sex pheromone production and release of P. orienta occurred between 8:30 and 9:00. There was a circadian rhythm in the emergence, calling and mating, and the sex production and release of adults. The sex pheromone release and mating behavior of P. orienta were synchronized, which was confirmed in field tests by using virgin females to trap males.

Key words: Parocneria orienta, reproductive behavior, emergence, mating, sex pheromone, circadian rhythm