Experiments On Dispersal, Late-Larval Predation, and Pupation in the Cinnabar Moth (Tyria Jacobaeae L.) With a Radioactive Label (192Ir)

Abstract

A number of experiments is described from which it is concluded that a predating ant, Lasius alienus Forst, locally has a very important influence on the population dynamics of the Cinnabar Moth. Moreover, Tyria appears to be absent in some of the dry dune vegetations and it is suggested that this is due to the presence of Lasius in high densities in those areas. The distribution pattern of pupae in the field could be explained by preference for certain pupation sites. The applied technique of labelling, with an external radioactive mark, proved satisfactory.