Egg Parameters as a Measure of Population Quality of the Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar1,2

Abstract

Several parameters of the eggs of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), were quantitatively measured for 5 populations in central Pennsylvania during 1974 and 1975. These populations were subjectively classified as either incipient, stable, or senescent infestations. The number of fertile non-parasitized eggs, water content/fertile egg, and percent successful eclosion of larvae, were the most consistent parameters identifying population quality. No single parameter accurately measured population quality.