Some Effects of Rearing Density on the Biology of the Elm Spanworm

Abstract

AbstractThe elm spanworm, Ennomos subsignarius (Hübner), a defoliator of oaks and hickories in the Southern Appalachians, was reared under three population densities — one, two, and four larvae per cage. The size of the group influenced to a degree the time spent in the larval stage, but was even more significantly related to the duration of the hatch to adult period. Although male pupal weight was not related to group size, female weight and fecundity were. Females reared singly had significantly greater pupal weight and fecundity than those reared in groups.