Moth Emergence Research Articles

Life History Attributes of Indian Meal Moth (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Angoumois Grain Moth (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Reared on Transgenic Corn Kernels

The Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner), and Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), are two globally distributed stored-grain pests. Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the impact that corn (Zea mays L.) kernels (i.e., grain) of some Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) corn hybrids containing CrylAb Bt delta-endotoxin have on life history attributes of Indian meal moth and Angoumois grain moth. Stored grain is at risk to damage from Indian meal moth and Angoumois grain moth; therefore, Bt corn may provide a means of protecting this commodity from damage. Thus, the objective of this research was to quantify the effects of transgenic corn seed containing CrylAb delta-endotoxin on Indian meal moth and Angoumois grain moth survival, fecundity, and duration of development. Experiments with Bt grain, non-Bt isolines, and non-Bt grain were conducted in environmental chambers at 27 +/- 1 degrees C and > or = 60% RH in continuous dark. Fifty eggs were placed in ventilated pint jars containing 170 g of cracked or whole corn for the Indian meal moth and Angoumois grain moth, respectively. Emergence and fecundity were observed for 5 wk. Emergence and fecundity of Indian meal moth and emergence of Angoumois grain moth were significantly lower for individuals reared on P33V08 and N6800Bt, MON 810 and Bt-11 transformed hybrids, respectively, than on their non-Bt transformed isolines. Longer developmental times were observed for Indian meal moth reared on P33V08 and N6800Bt than their non-Bt-transformed isolines. These results indicate that MON 810 and Bt-11 CrylAb delta-endotoxin-containing kernels reduce laboratory populations of Indian meal moth and Angoumois grain moth. Thus, storing Bt-transformed grain is a management tactic that warrants bin scale testing and may effectively reduce Indian meal moth and Angoumois grain moth populations in grain without application of synthetic chemicals or pesticides.

Some Peculiarities of the Long-Term Dynamics of the Day's Absolute Maximum and Maximum Temperatures and the Emergence Rate of Adult Apple Ermine Moths (Yponomeuta Malinellus Zell.) in Lithuania

The current paper presents the analysis of the dynamics of the day.s absolute maximum and minimum temperatures in Vilnius in different years of the 20th century and its influence on the emergence rate of adult apple ermine moths in the last three decades. The range of the absolute minimum and maximum temperatures of the day varied from -35 to +35°C. The changes in the course of emergence of adult apple ermine moths and the trends of the long-term dynamics of the day.s temperatures were thoroughly investigated during 28 vegetative seasons of the period 1973–2000. The period of the emergence of adult apple ermine moths lasted from 15 to 35 days. The time of emergence varied from 0 to 25 days. The emergence of adult apple ermine moths occurred within the range from the end of the first ten-day period of June till the middle of the first ten-day period of August. Earlier emergence of adult apple ermine moths was registered in 1984. Since 1998, the emergence of adult individuals has occurred even earlier.

A Phenology Model for Seasonal Occurrence of Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Stored Product Storage

A phenology model of Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner), was constructed to predict the moth emergence in stored product storage. The moth emergence curve based on the physiological time (summation of developmental rate per day) could be well described by both Weibull function and Stinner function. The phenology on the basis of the models showed that the moth could have five to six generations per year, which agreed to the trends of the moth catch in the warehouses in Ansung and Taegu. The phenology model on the basis of Weibull function predicted generations with no overlap except of the first and second generations, whereas Stinner model showed generations with overlap. Although the moth generations overlapped, the peak time of the moth catch in the pheromone traps coincided with that predicted by the model on the basis of Weibull function. The results showed a possibility that continuous monitoring of temperature in a storage and prophylactic control of the moth on the basis of the phenology model could be a base of successful eradication of moth from stored food materials.

Rapid evolution and specialization following host colonization in a yucca moth

Abstract Host shifts followed by specialization can result in sympatric genetic differentiation, and may have fuelled the diversification of phytophagous insects. This study examines a recent colonization of a non-native host by Prodoxus quinquepunctellus (Lepidoptera: Prodoxidae). Allozyme differentiation was detected among different host feeding populations, yet was nearly absent among similar host feeding populations in sympatry. Geographical patterns of allozyme variation showed a much higher level of population structure among populations feeding on the derived host. Conversely, mtDNA haplotype frequencies were nearly homogeneous in the derived populations compared to the ancestral populations, suggesting a bottleneck and/or rapid fixation of haplotypes following host colonization. Moth emergence coincided with host plant flowering, and phenological differences between host species translated into allochronic isolation between populations feeding on different hosts. Derived moth populations also differed significantly in three ovipositor characters from ancestral populations. These findings suggest rapid host-specific genetic differentiation, and specialization of moth emergence time and ovipositor morphology following host colonization.

Tortricid pests in orchards and viticulture, from basic data sampling to Internet warning service*

Cydia pomonella, Cydia funebrana, Eupoecilia ambiguella and Lobesia botrana are key pests in orchards and viticulture. The specific situation in Austria makes it impossible to use pheromone traps for decision making without additional information. Models based on temperature sums give information on the expected beginning of moth emergence and egg‐laying activity, but not on the intensity of reproduction over a period of time. An additional method for advisory services on tortricid pests, the‘branch cage technique’, has been developed and introduced in Austria. The technique is described in detail. At the beginning of the season, overwintered larvae or pupae are exposed in a so‐called branch cage in the field. As they emerge, adults are transferred from the branch cage into an egg‐laying box with an exchangeable polyethylene foil inside, offered to the females for egg laying. This technique monitors reproductive activity over a period of time and can be used even for following generations of adults during the season. The results of branch cage stations with (updated) information on moth emergence, egg laying and hatching of caterpillars are published within the Internet plant protection service of the BFL.

Bionomics of Mussidia nigrivenella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on three host plants

AbstractLife table studies of Mussidia nigrivenella Ragonot, a pest of maize in Benin, showed that host plant species had a significant effect on larval survival and developmental time. The maximum percentage of larvae surviving was recorded on jackbean, Canavalia ensiformis (36%) and lowest on maize (18%). Mean developmental time for larvae was longest on maize (19.8 days) and shortest on jackbean (17.2 days). The number of eggs laid was highest for females from larvae fed on jackbean (x– = 176), followed by velvetbean, Mucuna pruriens(x– = 143), and lowest for females where larvae had fed on maize (x–= 127). Longevity of ovipositing females was higher on jackbean (5.4 days) than of those from any other host plants. According to the growth index and life table statistics, jackbean was the most suitable host plant, followed by velvetbean, and maize, the least suitable. Thus, jackbeans should be recommended for use in mass rearing programmes of M.nigrivenella, e.g. as a host for parasitoids in future biological control programmes. Because of the high suitability of jack- and velvetbeans for M.nigrivenella, planting of these increasingly important cover crops should be timed in such a manner that the emergence of female moths from mature pods does not coincide with maize plants in a suitable developmental stage for oviposition and development of young M. nigrivenella larvae.

Synanthedon rileyana (H. Edwards) Response to Selected Clearwing Pheromone Blends

Male moths of the horse nettle borer, Synanthedon rileyana (H. Edwards), were attracted to various blends of (E,Z)-3,13-ODDOH alcohol and (E,Z)-3,13-ODDA acetate. Fields containing horse nettle, Solanum carolinense L., were utilized in Ohio and Arkansas during these attractancy trials in 1988 and 1989. Efficacy was determined by the number of males trapped in sticky traps. The optimum ratio of alcohol to acetate was found to be 100:25 to 100:50 confirming earlier observations and expanding the knowledge through replicated experiments in two states. A second blend of 100:3 (E,Z)-3,13-ODDOH and (E,Z)-2,13-ODDA also attracted more males than the blank traps did at both locations. Seasonal moth emergence, reflected by the number of male moths trapped, begins in Ohio in mid-July and peaks by mid-August.

Interaction of calyx fluid and venom from Microplitis croceipes (Braconidae) on developmental disruption of the natural host, Heliocoverpa zea, and two atypical hosts, Galleria mellonella and Spodoptera exigua

Polydnaviruses of many braconid and ichneumonid endoparasitoids play an important role in the successful parasitism of their hosts. The host's development is altered and its immune response is also suppressed. In this study, we compared the effects of calyx fluid and venom on the development of the natural host, Helicoverpa zea, and two atypical hosts that the parasitoid does not normally attack in nature, Galleria mellonella and Spodoptera exigua. The levels of calyx fluid and\\or venom injected was 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 female equivalents (FE)/larva. In H. zea, calyx fluid significantly reduced larval growth on day 5 post injection. Venom alone did not affect larval growth but it synergized the action of calyx fluid by reducing growth earlier and for a longer period after injection. Other effects of calyx fluid on the host, either alone or in combination with venom, were an increase in developmental period, and a reduction in percent emergence and weight of adult moths. The percentage of H. zea larvae that pupated was not affected by calyx fluid or venom. In Galleria mellonella, venom alone reduced larval growth comparable to calyx fluid and both tissues induced the effects on day 1 post injection. Other effects caused by calyx fluid or venom alone or the combination were a reduction in percent pupation and emergence, and the average adult weight. In S. exigua, high mortality occurred when 4th instar larvae were injected. Although the injection of larger fifth instars reduced overall mortality, the sham-injected larvae only gained weight during the first 24 hours after injection (from day 0 to day 1). However, adults were produced at all doses of calyx fluid or venom. The effects of the virus on development in this species were a prolongation of the larval stage and reduction of adult weight by calyx fluid in combination with venom. In conclusion, injections of calyx fluid and venom of Microplitis croceipes can differentially affect the growth and development of its natural host H. zea, and atypical host, G. mellonella, but only a minimal effect was observed in S. exigua.

Energetics of metamorphosis in two holometabolous insect species:Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) andTenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Gas-exchange rates (VO2 and VCO2) measured from intact Manduca sexta and Tenebrio molitor pupae throughout metamorphosis decrease immediately following pupation, then increase during the last 60% of pupal development. Metabolic rates and rate of development increased with temperature between 22°C and 32°C in both species. There was, however, no significant effect of temperature on cumulative oxygen consumption over the duration of metamorphosis for either species. Although M. sexta pupae are 10 times as large as T. molitor pupae, their mass-specific cost of metamorphosis (per gram of pharate adult) was similar to that of T. molitor. The large-scale histolysis and subsequent remodeling of tissues during metamorphosis makes it difficult to quantify the mass of metabolically active tissue in pupae. A mitochondrial index (MI) related to mitochondrial membrane surface area was calculated using rhodamine-123-labeled mitochondria from M. sexta pupae, yielding a measure of pupa oxidative capacity and, indirectly, the amount of active tissue in the pupa. Across development, MI fluctuated in a manner resembling VO2 curves from intact M. sexta. Although both MI and VO2 increased during the latter half of development, the increase in MI began earlier and was proportionally larger than the observed increase in VO2. This suggests that, through most of metamorphosis, M. sexta pupae probably have a substantial aerobic potential that remains unutilized until emergence of the adult moth. J. Exp. Zool. 280:344–353, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Sudden occurrence of the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) in southern Japan during the typhoon season

Daily records of Spodoptera litura males caught in pheromone traps at Saga and Kagoshima (150 km south of Saga on the Kyushu mainland) were compared during 1990 and 1995, in relation to meteorological conditions. The temporal patterns of occurrence were similar at the two locations, but the total number of males caught at Kagoshima was two or three times larger than that at Saga. Prominent peaks in catches during the rainy seasons in early summer and early autumn were also characteristic of the Kagoshima but not the Saga records. There were essentially no correlations between the numbers of males caught in any years and the catches of the preceding autumn. The most conspicuous feature of these records was the sudden increases in many cases in the male catch recorded at the time of the approach of typhoons in these areas, after mid-August. Our estimations of developmental rates based on the effective accumulative temperature of this species generally failed to indicate local emergence of moths corresponding to peaks in trap catches at about a one generation interval preceding a typhoon's approach. These typhoons generally passed the Southwest Islands of Japan and ran through the East China Sea before approaching Kyushu. Thereafter, the male catch tended to increase prominently in autumn. The possibility of overseas long-distance migration of this non-diapausing species when typhoons approach Kyushu is discussed.

Space flight experiment on chinese silkworm on board the russian 10th biosatellite

Space flight experiments on Chinese silkworm ( Bombyx mori L.) were conducted on board the Russian 10th Biosatellite for 12 days. The samples included silkworm eggs, larvae, cocoons, pupae and moths. The processes of spinning, cocooning, mating, oviposition, larval hatching, pupation and moth emergence all completed well in space. The following effects of space flight on silkworm development were observed: The times of hatching and oviposition in the flight group were 2 to 3 days earlier than in the control group; the hatching rate of diapause eggs during space flight seemed higher than that of the control group; the life span of 2 of the 7 varieties flown was shortened; genetical variations appeared in 3 varieties. The results showed that the embryonic stage was probably the period most sensitive to the space flight environment.

Parasitism of Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Pupae on the Delmarva Peninsula with Emphasis on Coccygomimus disparis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Collections of gypsy moth pupae were made on the Delmarva Peninsula during 1989-1994. for the purpose of recovering the recently introduced pupal parasite Coccygomimus disparis (Viereck). Habitats sampled included forests and woodlands, residential forest openings, parks or small woodlots within residential areas, and residences in suburban areas. This species was recovered in all regions of the peninsula, but it did not seem to be associated with any particular habitat. Parasitism was usually low, <1%, but averaged 4.5% in 1990. Levels of parasitism by this species did not seem to be affected by host density, habitat, or latitude. Discriminant analysis suggested that sample size, minimum temperature the previous December, minimum temperature the previous February, June rainfall and site location (upper or lower peninsula) were the most important factors affecting recoveries of this species. Moth emergence was generally high, averaging 54%. Other sources of mortality (average percentages) were desiccation (16.6%), disease (14.4%), parasitism by other species (3.8%), and unknown causes (9.8%).

Apparent Fate of Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Pupae Stung by the Introduced Parasite Coccygomimus disparis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Observations on stinging behavior of Coccygomimus disparis (Viereck), an introduced pupal parasite of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), and its impact on host fate were made in a field study at 3 sites in a forested community near Hartly, DE. Incidence of ichneumonid parasitism and other mortality sources were compared in hosts known and not known to have been stung by C. disparis . Both parasitism and other mortality were higher in stung pupae. Survival of pupae, as evidenced by emergence of adult moths known to have been stung by C. disparis , was significantly lower than those not known to have been stung at 2 of the 3 study sites, and at all 3 sites when only female pupae were considered. The only site where no difference was noted had sustained heavy mortality (>80%), induced by other factors, especially Calosoma sycophanta (L.) and Brachymeria intermedia (Nees). Parasitization by ichneumonids and B. intermedia , as well as incidence of disease and desiccation, were higher in pupae of L. dispar experimentally stung by C. disparis than in those which were not. Attacks by C. disparis ranged from 10 s to a17 min in duration, but averaged <4 min. Host feeding by C. disparis females did not affect survival in stung hosts but did prolong attack duration. Attack duration differed among sites.

Field-Based, Degree-Day Model for Pink Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Development

Lower and upper developmental temperature thresholds of 13.9 and 32.8 degrees C were determined for the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), using 21 occurrences documenting overwintering larvae to adult moth development in the field. The events were induced by irrigation of pink bollworm infested cotton bolls held in emergence cages in experiments conducted from 1987 through 1991 in the Palo Verde Valley, CA. The whole day, sine wave method with a horizontal upper cutoff was found to be the best of several methods for calculating daily degree-days. Dates of beginning and peak spring moth emergence from overwintering diapaused larvae were determined from plots of male moth captures in 48 pheromone-baited survey traps situated along roadsides throughout the cotton producing area. Using the same method, degree-days from 1 February (determined to be the best starting date for heat accumulation) to the peak of spring moth emergence were calculated to be 510 DD (centigrade). Two weeks before peak infested cotton flowers was used as the date for initial in-field infestation. Numbers of male pink bollworm moths captured in field-situated pheromone traps were used to establish subsequent peak activity points for the 1st and 2nd generations. Using 12 of these generation events and the 13.9/32.8 degrees C thresholds, horizontal cutoff, and whole day sine wave method, the degree-days for 1 generation, adult to adult, were determined to be 492 DD. These field-derived thresholds corresponded well with thresholds obtained by some researchers using constant temperature laboratory trials

Diel Activity Patterns and the Effects of Wind on the Mating Success of Red Cedar Tip Moth,Hypsipyla robustaMoore (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Summary Diel patterns of adult emergence, female calling, mating, egg-laying and activity rhythms of red cedar tip moth, Hypsipyla robusta, were monitored in the laboratory under controlled temperature (26±2 °C) and reversed light cycles (14D: 10L). The effects of wind on mating success were studied in Perspex cages during the 10-hour night phase, with wind provided by a small electric fan. Most moths (82%) emerged in the early hours of the dark period (0–2.5 h after light-off). Peak female calling and mating activities were distributed at 5–7 h after light-off. Egg-laying was observed in all but the first 0.5 hour and the last 1.5 hours of the dark period. Individual moths, irrespective of their sex and mating history, periodically underwent rest during the dark period. Mated females showed the longest average duration of active intervals. Mating was significantly enhanced by wind. Simultaneous presence of wind was found not to be a prerequisite of the mating process. Implications of the diel activity rh...

Small Plot Assessment of Insecticides Against the Sugarcane Borer, 1995

Abstract Fifteen insecticide treatments were evaluated for control of SCB at St. Gabriel Research Station, St. Gabriel, LA. A RCB design with 5 replications was used in a field of first ratoon sugarcane. Insecticide treatments were applied to 3-row plots (0.05 acre) using a CO2 sprayer mounted on an ATV (all terrain vehicle) on 7 and 28 Jul, and 25 Aug. Three 8005 flat fan spray tips per 6 ft width of row at 35 psi delivered 20 gpa. Initial treatment was made when the SCB infestation exceeded the economic threshold (5% of the stalks containing live larvae in the leafsheaths); succeeding applications occurred when reinfestations began to appear in the Guthion/Baythroid treatment. Prior to the initiation of the experiment, 1 application of Lorsban 15G was broadcast (15.0 lb/acre) to suppress red imported fire ant predation on SCB larvae (Jun 13). SCB damage was assessed by counting the bored intemodes, moth emergence holes, and total number of intemodes per stalk from 75 randomly selected stalks of sugarcane (15 stalks/plot) in each treatment (20 Oct). All of the Confirm treatments were applied with Triton CS-7 at 0.125% v/v. Following ANOV, separation of means was by LSD.

Pink Boll worm (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), Cabbage Looper, and Beet Army worm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Pupal Susceptibility to Steinernematid Nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae)

Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the susceptibility of pink boll worm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), and beet army worm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), pupae to 2 species of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernenia riobravis Cabanillas, Poinar & Raulston and S. carpocapsae (Weiser). Uninjured pink boll worm pupae or pupae with a completely formed integument were not susceptible to nematode infection (>95% moth emergence). Pink boll worm pupae with pininflicted punctures, injuries from handling or incomplete integument formation, were susceptible to nematode infection. Uninjured cabbage looper and beet army worm pupae were susceptible to infection by both nematode species. Spiracular orifices of cabbage looper and beet army worm were elliptical in shape and larger than the circular shaped pink boll worm spiracular orifices. Spiracular orifice surface areas of cabbage looper pupae were larger than beet army worm surface areas and beet army worm were larger than those of pink boll worm. The results suggest a partial explanation for the lack of susceptibility of pink boll worm pupae to nematode infection.

Susceptibility of Fifth-Instar Indianmeal Moth and Almond Moth (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) to Cyfluthrin Residues on Peanuts1

Inshell peanuts treated with 10, 14, 18, and 22 ppm cyfluthrin were bioassayed with fifth instar Indianmeal moths, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) and fifth-instar almond moths, Cadra cautella (Walker), after 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 months of storage. Emergence of the adult almond moth was greater than Indianmeal moth emergence at residual bioassays of 14, 18, and 22 ppm. Regression of increasing emergence with storage time was significant for the Indianmeal moth at 22 ppm and the almond moth at 14 and 22 ppm. For both species, adult emergence decreased as cyfluthrin concentration increased and was described by quadratic regression.

Winter Mortality and Spring Emergence of Corn Stalkborers (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Subtropical Mexico

Winter survival and spring emergence of the crambine stalkborers Diatraea lineolata (Walker), D. saccharalis (F.), and Eoreuma loftini (Dyar) were studied in the corn agroecosystem of northern Tamaulipas, Mexico, from 1985 to 1992. Laboratory experiments to evaluate the effect of cold on survival of stalkborer larvae complemented the field studies. Numbers of stalkborers throughout the winter decreased linearly ,and resulting regression slopes differed among species. Overall, 50% of larvae remained 42, 64, and 66 d after corn physiological maturation for E. loftini, D. saccharalis, and D. lineolata, respectively. Larval disappearance was a result of mortality and development to pupae. Low temperatures caused significant mortality (45-100%) only during the winter of 1989-1990 when temperatures decreased to -8 degrees C, very unusual for northern Tamaulipas. Laboratory studies showed stalkborer populations were significantly reduced only if exposed for several hours at temperatures below -5 degrees C, which has only occurred during two winters in this region during the fast 28 yr. Borer mortality attributed to low temperatures was lower in stacked corn than in field corn. Percentage of survivorship from full grown larvae to adulthood in emergence cages averaged 4.1, 11.0, and 21.8% for D. saccharalis, D. linealata, and E. loftini, respectively. Although cumulative moth emergence of the Diaeraea species was sigmoid, that of E. loftini was linear. Fifty percent of cumulative emergence occurred during late February, mid-March, and early April for E. loftini, D. saccharalis, and D. lineolata, respectively.

Migration pathways of corn earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) indicated by tetroon trajectories

The corn earworm moth, Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a nocturnal pest insect that is capable of long-distance flights. Buoyant superpressure balloons (tetroons) with attached transponders were tracked as surrogate markers of moths migrating from three corn-growing regions in Texas. Launches were synchronized with peak emergence of corn earworm moths in June and July 1992. The tetroons were launched at the time (approximately 0.5 h after sunset) of peak take off (ascent of moths into the boundary layer) from the corn-growing areas, and ballasted to drift near the altitude (500–1000 m a.g.l) of the maximum insect flight concentration. Each tetroon was followed by a tracking vehicle or the Argos satellite for maximum distances of 466 km per 9 h night flight, and for one to four successive nights. The endpoints of four of the six tetroons that were tracked for 9 h from Weslaco, Texas were clustered within a 40 km radius circle centered 35 km east of Uvalde, Texas. The prorated (9 h) vector-average of National Weather Service forecast trajectories at the surface and 85.0 kPa geopotential-height estimated mean atmospheric displacements 57% as long as, and 3° clockwise from seven observed 9 h tracks of tetroons. Implications of these findings are discussed relative to the prediction of insect migrations and development of area-wide pest management.