Non‐reproductive determination of ‘migratory’ flight in Argentine stem weevils, Listronotus bonariensis

The seasonal flight activity of Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel) between 1976 and 1978 in Canterbury, New Zealand, is described and, in the light of current thinking, interpreted as migratory. Flight intensity appeared to be closely linked to prevailing weather conditions and unrelated to sexual activity. Furthermore, during the summer months a large proportion of flying weevils were gravid, and at the onset of hibernatory diapause flight continued unabated until the occurrence of cold winter conditions. These results indicate none of the energy partitioning often observed in other insect species where reproductive and migratory effort are mutually exclusive.