Influence of Two Mass-Marking Techniques on Survival and Flight Behavior of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Two mass-marking techniques were evaluated in the laboratory to determine effects on survival and flight behavior of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. The marking agents were an externally applied fluorescent powder (Day-Clo) and an internal oil soluble dye (Calico oil red) incorporated into an artificial adult diet. Neither technique had a significant influence on survival of 5-10-d-old or 20-25-d-old female or male beetles up to 10 d after marking. Based on tethered-flight assays, marking with fluorescent dust generally had no effect on trivial or sustained flight performance of 5-10-d-old and 20-2S-d-old females or 15-d-old males. Beetles marked with the oil-soluble dye experienced reductions in trivial flight performance, including reductions in individual flight duration, frequency of flight, and total flight time in a 23-h period, for up to 2 d after marking. Both techniques are efficient, but in comparison with Day-Glo fluorescent powder, beetles marked with Calico oil red retain the mark for a shorter time period. Also, beetles marked with Calico oil red should be provided suitable food for at least 2 d after marking to allow recovery of normal fight behavior before they are used in studies involving flight activity.