Abstract: Flight-to-light is one of the major behaviors of nocturnal insects. Previous studies have demonstrated that many nocturnal insect species have noticeable sexual difference in the behavior of flight-to-light, and many factors may contribute to this kind of difference. This paper reviewed the sexual difference of insect phototactic behavior in terms of the difference in flying distance and height between female and male adults due to their different flying capability, the distinct difference in the response to light resource due to the different structure of compound eyes between female and male adults, and the difference in the sensitivity to the light source and other environmental factors between female and male adults. The applied aspects and future research directions of the sexual difference of nocturnal insect phototactic behavior were also discussed.

Key words: insect, phototaxis, lamplight trap, sexual difference