Variation in Captures of Adult Winter Moths (Operophtera brumata) in Coastal Maine Over Two Years

Abstract

Abstract Operophtera brumata (Winter Moth) is an invasive insect defoliator named for its early winter activity in its native and introduced ranges. In this study, we examined the relative winter densities of adult female and male Winter Moths in Harpswell, ME, an area of recent outbreak. Additionally, we measured female densities to determine whether specific host-plant species are favored for egg laying. We found that Winter Moth densities during the second winter of this study were lower than in the first, possibly in response to extreme cold temperatures during January 2014. We also found that peaks in male flight coincided with temperatures rising above freezing and that female densities were highest on Quercus rubra (Red Oak), a known preferred host species.