Local outbreak of the spruce needle tortricid Epinotia tedella Clerk (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) in the Sudetes in Poland

Abstract

In 2004–2006 a local outbreak of Epinotia tedella was recorded on an area of 1,371 ha in Middle and Eastern Sudetes (Sowie and Bialskie Mts.) in Poland. In Bialskie Mts. slight damage dominated, while in Sowie Mts. more concentrated but moderate damage prevailed. The damage on older trees was limited to the lower half of the crowns, while on younger trees the middle parts of the crowns were more affected. The results of one-year field experiments towards the development of monitoring and forecast tools are presented in the paper. The results from ground emergence traps reflected phenology of butterflies’ emergence and the species preferences regarding older stands. The pheromone traps demonstrated the insect concentration on higher (above 900 m a.s.l.) elevations and confirmed the preference of older stands. Field observations revealed that a part of caterpillars can overwinter in the feeding places in tree crowns. The outbreak was incidental, with no effect on trees and stands. No new damage was recorded after 2006. The use of emergence traps and pheromone traps can be an interesting perspective, but further experiments concerning the interpretation of results are needed.