The effect of mating on female sexual behavior of Teleogryllus commodus Walker

Summary Virgin Teleogryllus commodus females show rhythmic locomotor activity in light-dark (LD) and constant light (LL) conditions. A taped 3-h calling song stimulates them into further walking, and they lay few eggs. Successful mating suppresses or reduces circadian-controlled walking, but in LL-conditions the free-run still persists. Mated females no longer respond to the 3-h calling song. The number of eggs laid within 24–72 h after insemination increases, and the three effects of mating occur independently of one another. The possible physiological basis of these changes and their ecological and behavioral significance under field conditions are discussed.