Microcomputer-Interfaced Flight Mill System for Large Moths Such as Black Cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)1

Abstract

A flight mill system developed for large, heavy, and strong flying moths such as the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), is described. Flight mills have specially constructed pivots and bearings that effectively control flight direction of tethered moths. The system uses infrared sensors interfaced with a microcomputer to monitor and record flight mill operation. Parameters recorded include distance flown and flight duration used to calculate speed, resting time, and number of flights. Two types of tethers are compared. The semirigid tether provides a limited amount of flexibility such that the moth supports its own weight and is free to adjust to its posture during flight. The rigid tether fixes the orientation of the moth to a horizontal posture. Results of flight tests indicate that laboratory-reared black cutworms are comfortable in a horizontal posture and energy utilization of moths attached to the two tethers are comparable.