Flight daily rhythm observation and flight ability assessment of Hylurgus ligniperda populations in forests

Objective This paper aims to clarify the flight daily rhythm of Hylurgus ligniperda in forests, explore the impacts of starvation and mating on flight ability of males and females, so as to predict the dispersal patterns and population space dynamics of this pest in forests, and provide scientific basis for precise prevention and control.

Method Plant-derived attractants were used to continuously monitor the number of H. ligniperda during different time periods to reflect its daily flight activity in the wild. Flight mills were employed to suspend and assess the flight capacity of H. ligniperda and its influencing factors.

Result (1) The daily flight rhythm of H. ligniperda showed two peaks, with peak flight periods occurring in 05:00−08:00 and 18:00−19:30. (2) The results of 24 h flight showed that the cumulative flight distance of H. ligniperda was up to 6.994 km, average was (0.784 ± 0.010) km. The cumulative flight time was up to 20.36 h, average was (2.77 ± 0.31) h. The maximum flight speed was 0.848 km/h, with an average of (0.231 ± 0.007) km/h. (3) Unmated males’ cumulative flight distance and cumulative flight time were slightly higher than those of the unmated females. The cumulative flight time of unmated males was slightly higher than that of unmated females, with significant gender differences observed after mating (P < 0.01). 24 h starvation treatment increased the flight ability of both male and female adults, and the effects on the number of take-offs, cumulative flight distance, cumulative flight time, and the maximum flight speed of males reached a significant level (P < 0.05). The frequency of take-offs, cumulative flight distance, cumulative flight time, and the maximum flight speed of males significantly increased after mating (P < 0.05), while females showed slight increases in accumulated flight distance and average flight speed, and slight decreases in accumulated flight time and maximum flight speed.

Conclusion This study reveals that the daily flight peaks of H. ligniperda mainly occur during dawn and dusk. The beetle demonstrates strong flight ability, characterized by short-distance dispersal. This behavior may have significant implications for the spatial dynamics and dispersal patterns of populations. Mating and starvation significantly enhance the flight performance of males, suggesting that male flight ability plays a pivotal role in population dispersal. These findings provide a theoretical basis for predicting the dispersal patterns of H. ligniperda and offer empirical support for developing precision management strategies. In particular, integrating physiological factors (e.g., hunger and mating status) into dispersal models holds practical significance for optimizing pest control protocols.