Abstract
The locomotory activities of individual males ofPeriplaneta americana in a circular arena 2.5 m in diameter were investigated during the portion of the photocycle in which the cockroaches are most active. Control animals ran at an average speed of 10.86 cm/sec but remained immobile 68 % of the time. Pauses in locomotion occurred frequently and at fairly regular intervals (x=0.88 sec). Males showed a strong tendency to remain near the sides of the arena. Sex pheromone presented in the center of the arena produced a reduction in immobility time and a slight increase in running speed. The frequency of pauses decreased, and the time between pauses became less regular. The proportion of time spent near the sides of the arena was greatly reduced also.
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Hawkins, W.A. Effects of sex pheromone on locomotion in the male American cockroach,Periplaneta americana . J Chem Ecol 4, 149–160 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00988051
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00988051