Data from: Lateralized courtship behaviors and mating success in Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae): A population-level study on maize plants under greenhouse conditions

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.