Changes produced by a ruby laser on stages of Neodiprion sertifer Geoff.

Abstract

External and developmental changes in eggs, feeding larvae, pronymphal larvae, pupae, and adults of Neodiprion sertifer were produced after exposure to single focussed pulses of 25 joules/cm2 of a ruby laser. Lesions ranged from mild depigmentation to complete obliteration of surfaces. After lasing, feeding larvae exhibited avoidance behavior. High mortality occurred in lased eggs, feeding larvae, and pronymphal larvae. Life spans of adults were shortened but pupae were unaffected. Decreasing sensitivity of N. sertifer stages to focussed lasing was as follows: eggs, feeding larvae, pronymphal larvae, adults, and pupae.