Abstract: To understand the mating behavior of Agrius convolvuli is a key for it s artificial rearing and reproduction. By the methods of behavior ecology, this paper observed the mating behavior of A. convolvuli moth, and investigated i ts mating pattern and mating rate under the conditions of different sex ratio, d ifferent space size, and different light period in laboratory. The results indic ated that both the males and the females were able to mate on the second night a fter emergence. The mating rate on the second night was the highest (539%) and then decreased gradually, but females normally copulated only once in their who le life spans. The diurnal mating activity occurred from 22:00 to 5:00, and peak ed from 22:00 to 24:00 and from 3:00 to 5:00. Furthermore, the mating rate was h ighly associated with sex ratio, light period, and space size. Newly emerged mal es and females could not mate in 24 h light or 24 h darkness, suggesting that th e interchange of light and darkness was required for successful mating of A. c onvolvuli. The mating rate was the highest (547%) at the sex ratio of 1 fema le to 1 male, and decreased obviously at other sex ratios. Females and males could mate successfully in the spaces of 120 m×060 m×035 m and 200 m×200 m×200 m, with the mating rate over 620%. It was suggested that in the arti ficial rearing and reproduction of A. convolvuli, establishing proper sex ra tio, mating space size, and light period would be beneficial to improve its mati ng rate and oviposition.

Key words: Nitrogen deposition, Weed, Biomass, Nitrogen uptake