Efficiency of the synthetic sex attractant and the effect of trap size on captures ofSpodoptera littoralis males in water traps and in dry funnel traps

Abstract

The efficiency of the synthetic sex attractant ofS. littoralis and the effect of trap size on male captures in water traps and in newly designed dry traps were investigated. The synthetic attractant was less efficient in attractiveness than virgin females in both small (17 cm) and large (60 cm) traps. Trap size did not affect male captures in traps baited with either virgin females or synthetic pheromone. The dry trap tested was as efficient as the water trap, easier to handle, and highly suitable for monitoring or for mass trapping ofS. littoralis.