Host-finding by cabbage looper moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Learning of host odor upon contact with host foliage

Abstract

Mated female cabbage looper months that were caged with cotton, celery, or soybean foliage were attracted significantly more often than inexperienced moths to the odor of the same species of plant the following night. Moths that were caged with cotton or celery foliage were attracted significantly more often the following night only to the foliage of the same species, and not to the foliage of the other plant species. Brief contact by a moth or a single oviposition on plant foliage was sufficient to increase subsequent attraction to plant foliage. This behavior appears to be associative learning of host odor.