DOI: 10.5061/dryad.zkh1893nc
title: Data from: Lateralized courtship behaviors and mating success in Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae): A population-level study on maize plants under greenhouse conditions

description: Lateralization, defined as the asymmetric organization of brain functions,
 is a widely recognized phenomenon observed in an increasing number of
 insect species. However, knowledge remains limited for Ostrinia furnacalis
 (Guenée), particularly regarding population-level courtship lateralization
 on maize plants in greenhouse environments. This study investigates the
 lateralized mating behaviors of O. furnacalis on maize plants in
 controlled greenhouse conditions. Our findings reveal distinct differences
 in two population-level lateralized mating behaviors (left and
 right-biased approaches and 180º turnings), demonstrating for the first
 time the influence of the host plant environment. Male moths consistently
 exhibited a right-biased approach and left-biased 180º turning behavior
 toward the female during copulation, which was associated with a reduced
 number of mating attempts. In response, female moths exhibited decreased
 rejection rates and increased receptivity to right-sided approaches and
 left-biased 180º turnings for intromissive copulation. Males performing
 ultrasonic courtship songs with left-biased 180º turning, reduced female
 rejections, and lower courtship aggression achieved significantly higher
 mating success than right-biased 180º turnings for intromissive
 copulation. These findings provide the first empirical evidence of host
 plant-mediated lateralized courtship behaviors in O. furnacalis under
 greenhouse conditions. They offer novel insight into the adaptive value of
 behavioral lateralization and highlight its relevance in naturalistic
 settings. This work advances insect behavioral ecology and has potential
 implications for developing behavior-based pest control strategies.
description: # Data from: Lateralized courtship behaviors and mating success in
 Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae): A population-level study on
 maize plants under greenhouse conditions Dataset DOI:
 [https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.zkh1893nc](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.zkh1893nc) ## Description of the Data and File Structure This dataset accompanies the published manuscript and contains raw behavioral data and supplementary images related to the study of lateralized courtship and mating success in Ostrinia furnacalis on maize plants under greenhouse conditions. Video recordings were not used in the experiment; however, selected still images are included for visual reference. One image, specifically from this study, shows a mated pair on a maize leaf. Other images showing directional turning behaviors were captured in similar experiments to illustrate behavioral postures. All raw data related to turning direction and approach behaviors are included in two separate .csv files. Full statistical analyses and results are reported in the manuscript. ## List of Files and Descriptions Images * Pair_mated_on_Maize_Plant_leaf.jpg Photograph of a mating pair on a maize leaf from this experiment (the red circle highlights the mating site). * Weixin_Image_20240416142313.jpg Image showing lateralized directional turning behavior (illustrative). * Weixin_Image_20240416142324.jpg Image showing lateralized directional turning behavior (illustrative). * Weixin_Image_20240416142341.jpg Image showing lateralized directional turning behavior (illustrative). * Weixin_Image_20240416142351.jpg Image showing lateralized directional turning behavior (illustrative). * Weixin_Image_20240416142358.jpg Image showing lateralized directional turning behavior (illustrative). ### Raw Data Files #### Raw_Data___180__Turning_Behavior-Final.csv Description: Raw data from behavioral assays evaluating 180-degree lateralized courtship turning behavior. Variables: * ID: Sample identifier * TurningBias: Direction of turning (Left or Right) * MateRecognition_s: Time (seconds) to recognize the mate * CourtshipSong_s: Duration of courtship ultrasonic song (seconds) * Aggression_n: Number of aggressive acts * AntennalTapping_s: Duration of antennal tapping (seconds) * AntennalPosterior_s: Duration of antennal contact with posterior (seconds) * CopulationAttempts_n: Number of attempted copulations * FemaleRejection_n: Number of female rejection responses * FemaleStill_n: Instances of female stillness * CopulationDuration_min: Duration of copulation (minutes) #### Raw_Data___Directional_Approaches.csv Description: Raw data on male directional approaches during initial stages of courtship. Variables: * ID: Sample identifier * ApproachBias: Direction of initial approach (Left or Right) * MateRecognition_s: Time (seconds) to recognize the mate * CourtshipSong_s: Duration of courtship ultrasonic song (seconds) * Aggression_n: Number of aggressive acts * AntennalTapping_s: Duration of antennal tapping (seconds) * AntennalPosterior_s: Duration of antennal contact with posterior (seconds) * CopulationAttempts_n: Number of attempted copulations * FemaleRejection_n: Number of female rejection responses * FemaleStill_n: Instances of female stillness * CopulationDuration_min: Duration of copulation (minutes) ## Code/Software No custom scripts or software were used for data generation. All analyses were conducted using standard statistical software as described in the manuscript. ## Access Information Other publicly accessible locations: None Data derived from: None