Population Biology of Orangestriped Oakworm (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) in Southeastern Virginia

Abstract

Population biology of orangestriped oakworm, Anisota senatoria (J. E. Smith), was studied in southeastern Virginia. Egg mass size was larger on Quercus palustris Muench., pin oak, compared with Q. phellos L., willow oak. Females produced a sex pheromone that attracted male moths. Blacklight traps were not effective for monitoring A. senatoria adults. Peak male emergence occurred on 2 July, 4 days earlier than female. The mean life span was 33.5 days in the laboratory. Pupal mortality was high and only 1.2% of the pupae produced moths in 1989 and 1990. Pupae were capable of overwintering for two years in the field. The first report of a second generation from September - November was documented. Second generation A. senatoria oviposited more egg masses, infested more trees and had a longer development time compared with first generation. Large egg mass size, pupae that were capable of overwintering for two years and the presence of a second generation may partially explain the consistent A. senatoria populations that have occurred in southeastern Virginia.