Cue Driven Mating Dynamics in Ladybird Beetle, Cheilomenes Sexmaculata (Fabricius).

Abstract

Mate recognition in insects often involves multiple sensory cues, yet the relative importance of individual cues and their combined effects remain unclear. In this study, we examined how visual, chemical, and behavioural cues influence male mating responses in the aphidophagous ladybird beetle Cheilomenes sexmaculata. Behavioural bioassays were used to quantify male copulatory responses, including time to first contact, number of contacts, aedeagus display, time to commence mating, and copulation duration. Visual cues were tested using chemically neutral dummy beetles, while chemical cues were assessed using female cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) extracts. Combined cue effects were evaluated by exposing males to live and freeze-killed females of different mating status. Visual cues alone elicited rapid contact and aedeagus display, indicating initiation of mating attempts. Chemical cues also influenced male behaviour, with males spending significantly more time on CHC-treated surfaces than on solvent controls. When cues were combined, males-initiated mating more quickly and copulated for longer with live females than with dead females, irrespective of female mating history. GC–MS analysis revealed clear differences in CHC profiles between sexes and between mated and unmated individuals. Overall, these results show that while single cues can trigger early mating responses, effective and sustained mating in C. sexmaculata depends on the integration of multiple sensory cues. This improved understanding of multimodal mate recognition may aid future studies on insect communication and applications in mass rearing and pest management.