Assessment of Color Response and Flight Activity of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Using Window Flight Traps

Abstract

Color attraction and flight behavior of Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), were investigated using window flight traps placed in a potato field. CPB were attracted to yellow traps with peak wavelength reflectance between 550 and 580 nm. Similar peak reflectance was recorded for potato leaf material. There was evidence that red, with peak reflectance at 680 nm, and black, with low uniform reflectance, were avoided by CPB. The approximate 50:50 sex ratio of trapped CPB remained constant throughout the growing season. Trap color did not influence sex ratio. Greatest flight activity occurred after emergence of first-generation adults, when host plant material was scarce. There was a significant positive relationship between temperature and CPB catches. There were no significant differences in magnitude of catches between the 0800–1200 and 1200–1600 hour time periods.