Distribution and Seasonal Flight Activity of Male Grape Root Borers (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) in Ohio

Abstract

Male grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis (Harris), captures in pheromone traps were recorded weekly in six commercial vineyards in Ohio in 1986 and 1987. Pheromone traps were also placed in 98 other locations in the state to determine the pest’s distribution. Weekly trapping data revealed that male grape root borers had begun to emerge by 25 June in all of the vineyards monitored in 1986. In 1987, male moths had begun to emerge by 24 June in two vineyards, and by 1 July in a third vineyard. Peak captures were recorded on 30 July 1986, 6 August 1986, 29 July 1987, 22 July 1987, and 5 August 1987 at various locations within Ohio. The last captures in 1986 were on 3 September, and in 1987 the last captures were 2 September. The duration of male moth flight period ranged from 56 to 70 d. Monitoring in other Ohio counties revealed that 38 were infested with the pest. Five other sesiid moth species were collected in the traps at various locations.