Moth Trap Research Articles

Utilizing Computer Vision and Deep Learning to Detect and Monitor Insects in Real Time by Analyzing Camera Trap Images

Insect monitoring techniques are often labor-intensive and need significant resources for identifying species after manual field traps. Insect traps are usually maintained every week, leading to a low temporal accuracy of information collected that impedes ecological analysis. This study introduces a handheld computer vision device to attract and detect real insects. The research explicitly proposes identifying and categorizing species by imaging live species drawn to a camera trapping. An Automatic Moth Trapping (AMT) equipped with light elemnets and a camera was developed to draw and observe insects throughout twilight and nocturnal periods. Moth Classification and Counting (MCC) utilizes Computer Vision (CV) and Deep Learning (DL) evaluation of collected pictures and monitors. It enumerates insect populations while identifying moth species. Over 48 nights, more than 250k photos were captured, averaging 5.6k daily. A tailored Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) was developed on 2000 labeled photos of live insects across eight distinct categories. The suggested computer vision method and methodology have shown encouraging outcomes as an economical option for automated surveillance of insects.

Moth Biodiversity in Central Kerala: A Comprehensive Examination of Urban and High-Altitude Habitats With New Distribution Record of Palaeosetidae

The order Lepidoptera, encompassing both butterflies and moths, many species within lepidoptera plays a pivotal role in ecosystem dynamics as key pollinators. Moths, constituting the vast majority within this order, serve as essential contributors to biodiversity in the Indian subcontinent, with over 12,000 known species. Despite their ecological significance, our understanding of moth diversity in India remains incomplete. This study addresses this knowledge gap by conducting a focused survey of moths in central Kerala between May 2019 and December 2021. Utilizing a standardized methodology involving moth trapping with white cloth and mercury vapor bulbs, we recorded and analyzed 483 moth species spanning 44 families. Notably, this investigation documented the presence of the family Palaeosetidae in Kerala for the first time including two species previously reported only from the Khasi Hills. Additionally, the first-ever sighting of Corgatha semipardata in India and the presence of Cirrhochrista fuscusa in South India were reported. Temporal activity patterns of moths revealed intriguing variations, and a meticulous identification process resulted in classifications at various taxonomic levels. Erebidae emerged as the most speciose family, predominantly in urban areas, while Crambidae, Geometridae, and Noctuidae thrived in high-altitude regions, indicating habitat diversity. Furthermore, this study sheds light on the challenge of identifying moths without specimen collection, particularly for microlepidoptera, which needs further research in this area. The observation of Macroglossum genus caterpillars suggests the possibility of migration, opening avenues for future investigations into moth movement patterns. In conclusion, our research highlights the rich diversity of moths in central Kerala and emphasizes the importance of conserving ecosystems and host plants in urban areas. While providing valuable insights, this study acknowledges its limitations due to a limited duration and calls for extensive research to comprehensively assess moth species richness in the region, offering a crucial foundation for future studies focused on moth diversity.

Influence of weather factors on male Spodoptera litura(Fab.) moth catches inpheromone trap in groundnut ecosystem

A regular field monitoring was done since five years at AICRP on Groundnut, MARS, Dharwad, Karnataka during Kharif &rabi/summer (2017 to 2021). In nutshell, the highest and lowest moths collected/trap were in Kharif-2021 and Kharif-2019 respectively. Collections were more in Kharif compared to rabi. Overall, the highest trap catches were in the month of July & August. The minimum temperature, relative humidity and rainfall had a positive correlation with the moth trapping, while the maximum temperature had a negative correlation. Pheromone traps can be used an effective tool in IPM to assess population fluctuations and forewarn the needy.

Influence of meteorological factors on trap catches and incidence of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) on Bt cotton

The pink bollworm incidence and adult male moth trap catches were monitored throughout the cropping period for four years from 2017-2021 on Bt cotton (KCH-14K59) at University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur. The pink bollworm male moth activity (95 moths/trap) was more during the month of December month (49th SMW) with the highest larval incidence (25.67 larvae/ 20 bolls) on green bolls during the month of February (6th - 9th SMW). The correlation matrix indicating relationship between the weekly mean moth catches, larval incidence and meteorological variables from 2017 to 2021 exerted negative association with mean of maximum and minimum temperature, rainfall, morning and afternoon relative humidity. However, the influence of all these whether parameters was found to be highly significant. When the data was subjected to Multi Linear Regression analysis, the results revealed that 78.70 per cent of mean pheromone trap catches (R2 = 0.787) and 92 per cent of mean larval incidence (R2 = 0.92) was negatively influenced by minimum temperature.

Towards reliable estimates of abundance trends using automated non‐lethal moth traps

Abstract Monitoring insect abundance or species richness at high spatial and temporal resolution is difficult due to personnel, maintenance, and post‐processing costs as well as ethical considerations. Non‐invasive automated insect monitoring systems could provide a solution to address these constraints. However, every new insect monitoring design needs to be evaluated with respect to reliability and bias based on comparisons with conventional methods. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of an automated moth trap (AMT), built from off‐the‐shelf‐hardware, in capturing declines in moth abundance, by comparing it to a conventional, lethal trap. Both trap types were operated five times on 16 plots from the beginning of July 2021 to the end of August 2021. On average AMTs recorded fewer individuals than conventional traps. However, both trap types depicted the same seasonal decline of approximately 3% per day, which corresponded to a total difference of ~85% over the sampling period. Given our sample size, both trap types had the same limitations in their reliability to detect smaller changes in abundance trends. This first proof of concept demonstrated that AMTs depict large magnitude events such as phenological patterns just as well as conventional, lethal traps. Therefore, AMTs are a promising tool for future autonomous and non‐lethal monitoring, which paves the way for high temporal coverage and resolution in insect monitoring. However, this initial quantitative field test revealed that its long‐term applicability must be preceded by several adjustments to the image quality, power supply and to data transfer.

Effect of pheromone blend sources and loadings on sugarcane internode borer moth catches in Sri Lanka

The internode borer, Chilo sacchariphagus indicus Kapur is an important moth borer on sugarcane in South Asia including India and Sri Lanka. Collaborative studies to evolve locally optimum sex pheromone trapping system for this pest were undertaken in Sri Lanka during 2019-20. The first study comparing alternative pheromone blend sources showed significant differences in moth catches, with the best source consistently attracting twice or more moths than the others. The next study on pheromone lure loadings showed non-significant differences in moth catches, clarifying the adequacy of the widely adopted loading (3 mg/ septa). While these findings could guide in adopting locally optimum blend source and loading for pheromone trapping of the borer moths, the scope of future R&D to further enhance the impact potential of pheromone-based mass trapping of sugarcane internode borer moths in Sri Lanka is indicated.

Weather Sensitivity of Sugar Bait Trapping of Nocturnal Moths: A Case Study from Northern Europe.

Assemblages of insects need to be quantitatively sampled in the context of various research questions. Light trapping is the most widely used method for sampling nocturnal Lepidoptera. Attracting moths to sugar baits offers a viable alternative. However, this method is rarely used in professional research despite its popularity among amateur lepidopterists. As the activity of insects is strongly dependent on ambient conditions, the sensitivity of any trapping method to weather parameters needs to be known for the quantitative interpretation of trapping results. In the present paper, we report data on the weather dependence of moth catches obtained by automatic bait traps. The study was performed in Estonia, representing the European hemiboreal forest zone. Portable weather stations set up next to each of the traps were used for collecting weather data. Both abundance and diversity of the moths in the catches depended strongly positively on temperature and negatively on air humidity. Diversity was also negatively correlated with air pressure and positively with the change in pressure during the night. The results show that in situ recording of weather parameters in connection to insect trapping provides useful insights for the study of insect behaviour and the interpretation of the results of monitoring projects.

Bisexual lures and their comparison with synthetic sex attractants for trapping Orthosia species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

AbstractTwo bisexual lures have been developed using iso‐amyl alcohol plus acetic acid combined with red wine extract (semisynthetic bisexual lure, SBL), or synthetic floral compounds (FLO) for trapping of noctuid moths with early spring activity of adults. Orthosia species were attracted by the tested semi‐synthetic and synthetic lures indicating the possible role of the fermenting liquids and floral compounds in the feeding of these species. Bisexual lures attracted generally a lower number of individuals than the synthetic sex attractants of the given species, except for O. cerasi where FLO lures were more attractive than the sex attractant. Bisexual lures caught both sexes and females composed a sizable percentage of the catch. Since traps baited with different types of bisexual lures provided similar data on sex ratios, thus these presumably reflected the actual sex ratio of the given population. The use of these bisexual lures, especially of FLO in case of Orthosia spp., can be useful in surveys in which the capture of females and data on sex ratios are indispensable, for example in population dynamic and polyandry surveys. In contrast, in case of low population densities, the use of sex attractant lures seem to be still more efficient.

Effect of age, daily rhythm and mating on pheromone titres and trapping of Glyphodes pyloalis (Lepidoptera, Crambidae)

AbstractGlyphodes pyloalis (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) is an important pest of mulberry trees in China, and current methods for accurate population monitoring and control of this pest are lacking. The sex pheromone of G. pyloalis in China was re‐identified as E10, E12, Z14‐hexadecenyl acetate (E10E12Z14‐16:Ac) and tentatively E10, E12, E14‐hexadecenyl acetate (E10E12E14‐16:Ac). The emergence began 2 h before the dark period, and the peak emergence was 3 h into scotophase. Analysing the female moth's age from 1–9 days revealed that the titre of sex pheromone E10E12Z14‐16:Ac and E10E12E14‐16:Ac did not change statistically, and the ratio remained constant at 7.19 ± 1.12. The titre of pheromone had a significant circadian rhythm, increasing at 2 h after darkness, peaking at 6–8 h before decreasing, but it was still detected after 4 h into photophase. Mating of G. pyloalis occurred mainly at night, with the highest rate during 3 h into scotophase, which was earlier than the temporal pattern of pheromone titres. 18.1% of unfed moths mated immediately after eclosion during the scotophase. This was lower than what is seen in 1–3‐day‐old moths but similar to 4‐day‐old moth. Mating can occur on the same day after emergence, primarily within 1–4 days. Female moths can release pheromone again 48 h after mating, but the ratio of E10E12Z14‐16:Ac and E10E12E14‐16:Ac was reduced to 5.1 ± 0.73. The trapping of male moths in the field showed a significant circadian rhythm, but significant differences in pheromone trapping in Sichuan Gongxian, Zhejiang Chun'an and Haining, and Jiangsu Wujiang were observed. At the same location, the circadian rhythm of moth trapping showed differences between generations. The trapping of the overwintering generation occurred mostly in the early period of scotophase, while other generations were caught slightly later. Our results contribute to effective pheromone trapping for monitoring and mass trapping to better control G. pyloalis populations.

Plant protection module on management of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella and other lepidopteran pests in cabbage

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.) is the most destructive insect pest of cruciferous crops throughout the world. The use of trap crops, pheromones, botanicals, bio-agents and safer insecticides for pest control promises to be an important integrated approach in the management of DBM and other lepidopteran pests which helps to solve major environmental and human health problems. A study was designed and carried out at Ramanagara and Bengaluru Rural district during 2017-18 and 2018-19 to understand the effectiveness of IPM module, recommended practices and farmers' practice in cabbage fields.The results revealed that 15 days prior to cabbage transplanting, sowing of Indian mustard (2 rows after 25 rows of cabbage) attracted DBM moths for oviposition, 7 days after transplanting (DAT), installation of WOTA-T traps @ 5 Nos./acre helped in monitoring and mass trapping of DBM moths. The spraying of botanicals, bioagents and safer insecticides as per the schedule, viz. neem soap (10 g/l) after 15 DAT, Spinosad 2.5 SC (1.25 ml/l) after 18 DAT, Emamectin benzoate 5SG (0.5 gm/l) after 21 DAT, Bt (Dipel) (1 g/l) after 35 DAT, Chlorfenapyr 10 SC (1.5 ml/l) after 50 DAT, Spinosad 2.5 SC (1.25 ml/l) after 65 DAT and Emamectin benzoate 5 SG (0.5 gm/l) after 80 DAT, effectively reduced the damage caused by DBM in cabbage fields. The pest incidence in IPM module was negligible resulted in fetching higher yields, quality heads and better returns compared to farmers' practice. Farmers can adopt IPM module as an alternative to insecticides as it is ecologically safe, economically viable and socially well acceptable.

Drones That Deliver: Pheromone-Based Mating Disruption Deployed via Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles in U.S. Cranberries.

Cranberry fruitworm (Acrobasis vaccinii Riley (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)) and blackheaded fireworm (Rhopobota naevana Hubner (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)) threaten cranberry production annually by causing significant fruit damage. Up to four pesticide applications are made each year to control these insects, which are costly to producers and elevate pesticide residues in fruit. Pheromone-based mating disruption technology can provide control of these pests in cranberry production, with the potential to minimize, or eliminate, pesticide applications. In 2016, an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) was investigated to apply a thick paraffin emulsion containing insect sex pheromones. Traditional agricultural equipment is not capable of applying the paraffin emulsion to cranberry beds due to the product's viscous, paste-like consistency. The first objective of this study was to retrofit an UAV (octocopter) with a novel extrusion device that had been engineered to deliver the pheromone-loaded paraffin at regular intervals during flight. The second objective was to confirm adequate distribution of the pheromones by measuring the mating disruption efficacy by monitoring male moth trap catches. The UAV was able to fly autonomously along a prescribed itinerary, deploying the paraffin product uniformly; however, the increased mass of the retrofitted UAV limited flight times to ~12 min. The number of male cranberry fruitworm and blackheaded fireworm moths caught in lure-baited traps were reduced in the paraffin-treated beds compared with untreated beds, indicating adequate distribution of the pheromones. The UAV-applied pheromones concept could be developed into a production scale application method in the future, although issues of battery life and lifting capacity will need to be resolved.

Degree day-based model predicts pink bollworm phenology across geographical locations of subtropics and semi-arid tropics of India

There is a global concern about the effects of climate change driven shifts in species phenology on crop pests. Using geographically and temporally extensive data set of moth trap catches and temperatures across the cotton growing states of India, we predicted the phenology of cotton pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders). Our approach was centered on growing degree days (GDD), a measure of thermal accumulation that provides a mechanistic link between climate change and species’ phenology. The phenology change was predicted by calculating absolute error associated with DD and ordinal date, an alternative predictor of phenology, for peak moth abundance. Our results show that GDD outperformed the ordinal dates in predicting peak moth abundance in 6 out of 10 selected locations. Using established thresholds of 13.0/34.0 °C, mean DD accumulated between the consecutive moth peaks across different years were estimated at 504.05 ± 4.84. Seven generations were determined for pink bollworm in a cropping season, the length of which varied between 35 and 73 days in response to temperature. Pink bollworm population reached its peak during third generation which can be the target for management actions. The study provides essential information for developing pink bollworm management strategies under climate change.

An Automated Light Trap to Monitor Moths (Lepidoptera) Using Computer Vision-Based Tracking and Deep Learning.

Insect monitoring methods are typically very time-consuming and involve substantial investment in species identification following manual trapping in the field. Insect traps are often only serviced weekly, resulting in low temporal resolution of the monitoring data, which hampers the ecological interpretation. This paper presents a portable computer vision system capable of attracting and detecting live insects. More specifically, the paper proposes detection and classification of species by recording images of live individuals attracted to a light trap. An Automated Moth Trap (AMT) with multiple light sources and a camera was designed to attract and monitor live insects during twilight and night hours. A computer vision algorithm referred to as Moth Classification and Counting (MCC), based on deep learning analysis of the captured images, tracked and counted the number of insects and identified moth species. Observations over 48 nights resulted in the capture of more than 250,000 images with an average of 5675 images per night. A customized convolutional neural network was trained on 2000 labeled images of live moths represented by eight different classes, achieving a high validation -score of 0.93. The algorithm measured an average classification and tracking -score of 0.71 and a tracking detection rate of 0.79. Overall, the proposed computer vision system and algorithm showed promising results as a low-cost solution for non-destructive and automatic monitoring of moths.

Mass trapping of Coryphodema tristis (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) using a sex pheromone in Eucalyptus nitens compartments in Mpumalanga, South Africa

Coryphodema tristis (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) is a native wood-boring moth with a broad host range on both native and non-native vegetation and is an important pest of commercial Eucalyptus nitens plantations in South Africa. Management of C. tristis is challenging since the larvae spend the majority of their lifecycle tunnelling within the wood of host trees. Following the development of a synthetic sex pheromone for C. tristis, pheromone-based mass trapping of male moths was investigated as a tool to control the pest. More than 5 000 pheromone-baited yellow bucket funnel traps with extensions were deployed in E. nitens stands in 2016 and 2017. Evaluation of the efficacy of the mass trapping programmes was done in 2017 and 2018 through the destructive felling of infested trees and comparison of the ratio of new to old C. tristis colonies in trapped and non-trapped compartments. The results show a significant decrease in the ratio of new to old colonies in trapped compartments compared to non-trapped compartments. This study shows that the large-scale trapping of C. tristis using a synthetic sex pheromone is a viable management strategy to control C. tristis.

A Stochastic Economic Framework for Partitioning Biosecurity Surveillance Resources

Effective biosecurity systems are important for protecting trade and the environment from the introduction of exotic pests and diseases, particularly as the movement of goods and people increases worldwide. But systems are complex and the optimal division of resources between biosecurity operations is difficult to determine. In this paper we formulate tractable, stochastic, bio-economic models to guide the optimisation of cost-efficiency in decisions concerning biosecurity operations. In particular, to guide a tradeoff between effort afforded to preventing the introduction of pests and diseases, and post-border surveillance, although the approach has general relevance. The models offer a practical means of optimising resource partitioning, designed to transfer easily between disparate settings and a range of pest-types, and to enable the incorporation of uncertainty. For highly complex problems, tractable frameworks are not always available or efficient. However, using an application to Asian gypsy moth trapping and reference to applications in the literature, we demonstrate that the proposed approach is relevant, is straightforward to apply, and provides a comprehensive analysis for decision-makers.

Synthesis and Biological Testing of Ester Pheromone Analogues for Two Fruitworm Moths (Carposinidae).

A range of ester pheromone analogues for carposinid moths were synthesized and evaluated for biological activity. The analogues aimed to take advantage of the structural commonality of (7Z)-alken-11-ones found in this family. Analogues were tested on two pest species: Heterocrossa rubophaga and Coscinoptycha improbana. Two of the analogues, (2Z)-nonenyl nonanoate and (4Z)-heptyl undecenoate, elicited significant electroantennogram responses. Only (4Z)-heptyl undecenoate gave consistent responses with both moth species in single sensillum recording. Field trapping trials were conducted with these two analogues both individually and in combination with the pheromone of each of the two moth species. No attraction was observed to either of the analogues alone, by either moth species. However, when (4Z)-heptyl undecenoate was coupled with the pheromone, it produced a strong inhibitory effect in H. rubophaga, reducing male moth trap catch by over 95%. No inhibitory effect on male moth trap catch was observed in C. improbana.

(7Z)-Tricosene Improves Pheromone Trap Catch of Raspberry Bud Moth, Heterocrossa rubophaga.

Heterocrossa rubophaga, the raspberry bud moth, is a pest of commercial Rubus berry crops and wild Rubus species. Its pheromone was initially identified as a single component, (7Z)-nonadecen-11-one. Here we report further investigation of this carposinid pheromone including volatile collection, gland extraction, mass spectrometry, microchemical analysis, electrophysiology and field testing. The alkene (7Z)-tricosene was identified from female gland extracts and the synthetic compound gave antennal responses from the male moth. Field testing of (7Z)-tricosene showed that it was unattractive alone but in combination with (7Z)-nonadecen-11-one it more than doubled male moth trap catch for all doses tested compared to that of (7Z)-nonadecen-11-one alone. We recommend a blend of 300µg of (7Z)-nonadecen-11-one and 300µg of (7Z)-tricosene as an improved monitoring tool for raspberry bud moth for use by berry growers. This is the second report of the Z-alkene as a pheromone component in the Carposinidae family among the three carposisnid pheromones identified to date.

Assessment of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) Adult Population in Chickpea using Weather Based Indices

Background: Chickpea is the second most important pulse crop grown globally, it is damaged by over 50 insect species in different parts of the world, of which gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) poses serious threat to production. Temperature is one of the important abiotic factor influencing the growth and development of an organism, degree day (DD) models are very useful in pest predictions as development of insects and plants is temperature-dependent and can predict the biological phenomenon with greater accuracy. Methods: H. armigera adult population at different chickpea phenological stages viz., from emergence to maturity stage was assessed using the weather based indices viz., growing degree days (GDD) and heliothermal units (HTU) during rabi 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Results: At different chickpea phenological stages the pest population varied from 0 to 66.3, 0 to 256 and 0 to 124 with respective cumulative population of 148, 555 and 167 male moth catches during three consecutive seasons. Among different phenological stages, highest population was recorded during both pod formation and crop maturity stage during 2015-16 and 2017-18, while in 2016-17 it was maximum during 50 per cent flowering and maturity stage. Among the three seasons, the GDD and cumulative male moth trap catches were found to be highest during 2016-17. The relationship of GDD and HTU with H. armigera was analysed through linear regression and they accounted for 64 and 71 per cent variation respectively in pest population across the seasons. The weather based indices viz., GDD and HTU may thus be useful for predicting H. armigera adult population at different chickpea phenological stages.

Pest status, bio-ecology and management of the false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and its implication for international trade.

The false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is an insect pest which represents an important threat to the production and marketing of a wide range of agricultural crops in the African-Caribbean-Pacific (ACP) countries. The FCM reduces not only the yield and quality of the crop but also as a quarantine insect pest, restricts the trade of susceptible agricultural produce on the international market. In addition, little research has been conducted in the ACP countries on the bio-ecology and sustainable management of this pest, especially on vegetables for export. Thus, action-oriented research aimed at understanding the bio-ecology of this important pest is essential to achieve effective management. Various management interventions against this pest have been used in some parts of the world, especially in South Africa on citrus. Currently, farm sanitation is regarded as the key management strategy. Exploring and improving on other interventions such as Sterile Insect Technique, monitoring and mass trapping of male moths, augmentative biological control, use of bio-pesticides, protected cultivation and cold treatment may help to mitigate the expansion of FCM into other countries, especially in the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization region where it has become a regulated insect pest since 2014. This review discussed the bio-ecology of FCM and highlighted some of the challenges and opportunities for its effective management and its implication for international trade, especially the export of chillies from the ACP countries into the European Union market which requires strict phytosanitary regulations.

Peri-Urban Community Attitudes towards Codling Moth Trapping and Suppression Using the Sterile Insect Technique in New Zealand.

New, more socially-acceptable technologies are being developed to suppress horticultural pests, because suppression is technically difficult with current technologies, especially in urban areas. One technique involves the release of sterile insects to prevent offspring in the next generation. This technology involves aerial or ground release systems, but this could also create issues for the public. This study investigated community perceptions of a recently-introduced response to codling moth control in New Zealand—Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Community attitudes to SIT were examined in Hastings, New Zealand, in April, 2018. Eighty-six detailed interviews were undertaken with a random sample of households. This community was very willing (98% agreement) to host a sex pheromone trap in their gardens, and condoned regular visits to monitor traps. Attitudes to SIT were very positive (98% in favor). Once explained, the concept of using unmanned aerial vehicles to deliver sterile insects was also acceptable (98%) to the community. Use of unmanned aerial vehicles to release sterile insects during a hypothetical incursion response of an exotic fruit fly was also supported at 98% by respondent householders. Investigation of community attitudes can be valuable to guide practitioners in determining suitable technologies before an area-wide programme is launched.