Number Of Moths Research Articles

New geometrid moths from Iraqi Kurdistan (Lepidoptera, Geometridae: Sterrhinae, Larentiinae).

A large number of geometrid moths was collected by the first author in Iraqi Kurdistan including several undescribed species and subspecies. In this paper we describe three new geometrid taxa: Idaea medianocturna walaila ssp. nov., Lulavia mahwii sp. nov. and Protorhoe drechseli nebuloides ssp. nov. We present differential diagnoses and images of adult moths and genitalia.

Night-time light-traps and push–pull integrated system enhanced the control of different life stages of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

BackgroundMaize, Zea mays L (Cyperales: Poaceae), is one of the major cereal crops grown in Ethiopia for its food and feed values. Recently, the fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) has become a major challenge of maize production threatening smallholder farmers in the country. Developing effective and smallholder farmers-friendly integrated pest management for FAW is vital. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of night-time light-traps and push–pull integrated system on controlling different life stages (adult, larvae and eggs) of FAW.MethodsThe study was conducted in Northern Ethiopia included four treatments; maize monocrop, maize plots with night-time light-trap, a push–pull system, and night-time light-trap and push–pull integrated system. Each treatment was replicated five times. The study was carried out twice involving a rain feed (from July to October 2018) and irrigated (from April to June 2019) experiments.ResultsA significantly greater number of FAW moths were captured on traps placed outside maize field plots treated with light-trap and push–pull integrated system than traps placed outside the maize monocrop, light-trap alone and push–pull alone treated plots during the 2018 and 2019 experiment seasons. As a result, a significantly lower number of moths was found inside maize field plots treated with light-trap and push–pull integrated system than the other treatments. The levels of FAW eggs and larval infestation were significantly lower in maize plots treated with the light-trap and push–pull integrated system than the maize monocrops, push–pull alone, and light-trap alone treated plots. The proportion of plants damaged by FAW larvae was significantly lower in maize plots treated with the light-trap and push–pull integrated system relative to maize plots treated with the other treatments.ConclusionThis study proved that a system integrating night-time light-traps and push–pull results in better and more effective control of different stages of FAW than a push–pull system or night-time light-traps alone.

Development of SWAT, a Solar and Wind Powered Agricultural Pest Trap-peller

In the Philippines, pest infestation has been a major challenge for farmers which led to significant losses in crop yields and income due to the lack of access to effective pest management techniques. To address this issue, the researchers developed a pest management device powered by solar and wind energy used to minimize pest infestation in the fields. This research utilized the phases of the System Development Life Cycle in developing the prototype. This system utilized an ultrasonic speaker and ultraviolet light (UV) bug zapper as the main components of the device. The device was able to collect insects and moths in the farmland and was able to decrease the number of insects and moths collected from 3 kg to 0.01 kg in one week. The researchers were also able to prove that the ultrasonic speaker with a frequency of 15 kHz was effective for deterring birds up to 40 meters away from the device. Comparison between the traditional method and the developed prototype showed that the latter requires less amount of work and human intervention thus, eliminating the adverse health effects from continuous exposure to loud sounds and insecticides used in the traditional ways. End-user evaluation results showed excellent functionality, very easy to use, high-performance efficiency, strong security, and very easy to maintain proving the prototype’s effectiveness as an alternative solution to the problem of pest infestation in farmlands.

Survival and development of Cadra cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on cocoa bean and cocoa powder

The almond moth Cadra cautella (Walker) is a notable stored product pest which can cause detrimental loss on stored cocoa. Cocoa can be stored in bean and powder forms. The information about survival and development of C. cautella on stored cocoa is limited. This research aimed to determine the effect of cocoa powder and cocoa bean in the storage against the survival and development of C. cautella. This research was conducted in Plant Pests Laboratory, Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya. This research consisted of two treatments namely cocoa bean and cocoa powder with no choice method and repeated six times. The observed variables were number of larvae, pupae, male and female almond moth of F1 progeny, and developmental time of this insect. The t-test analysis was applied to determine the treatment effect. Results showed that the number of larvae, pupae, adult males and females of F1 progeny cultured on cocoa powder were significantly higher than on cocoa bean. The total developmental time and life cycle of almond moth were shorter on cocoa powder than on cocoa bean. Therefore, to store cocoa in powder form is riskier to the almond moth infestation rather than in bean form. Hence, it is suggested to take more concern on the cocoa powder storage better in order to minimize the almond moth infestation.

Relative abundance and damage by species in the Lepidoptera borer complex of macadamia nuts in the Barberton area, South Africa

Larvae of the nut borer complex, which include Thaumatotibia leucotreta, T. batrachopa, Cryptophlebia peltastica and Ectomyelois ceratoniae, cause extensive economic damage to macadamias in South Africa. Monitoring the changing species composition in this complex over a growing season provides valuable information for managing populations. In this study, pheromone traps were placed in two orchards planted with two different cultivars and used to monitor moth numbers over a 28-week period, while larval numbers and nut damage were monitored weekly over a 21-week period from the onset of flowering. Larvae were identified using a combination of morphology and DNA sequences of ~658 bp of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. Both larval and moth numbers were dominated by T. leucotreta, followed by T. batrachopa, with respective trap catches of 69% and 27%. Spearman correlations indicated strong linear relationships between nut diameter and numbers of eggs per nut for both the Beaumont and 816 cultivars. Poor correlations were found between weekly moth numbers and the number of eggs per nut. A two- to three-week lag was observed between weekly T. leucotreta trap catches and egg numbers. In contrast, egg numbers correlated strongly with larval infestation levels and the incidence of damaged nuts. Although the numbers of eggs and larvae were higher in Beaumont than cv. 816 nuts, higher incidences of nuts with husk and kernel damage were recorded for cv. 816. This study highlights the importance of monitoring of moth and larval numbers in macadamia orchards and showed that such data could be used to predict pest incidence during the season. This study questions the norm in South Africa, which is that macadamia nut borer (MNB) is usually the most abundant species in the nut borer complex.

Electrophysiological and behavioural responses of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda: A potential phytovolatile technology for its management

The fall armyworm (FAW), scientifically known as Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae), is an invasive and polyphagous pest associated with maize (Zea mays L.). An experiment was conducted during 2020–21 at South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Oluvil, Sri Lanka and the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka Lunuwila, Sri Lanka to investigate the olfactory perception of 22 host plant volatiles by electroantennogram (EAG) and behavioural assays for males, virgin and mated females of FAW. The findings indicated that trans-2-Hexen-1-ol, Benzaldehyde, Nonanoic acid, cis-3-Hexen-1-ol, and 4-Phenyl-2-butanone elicited elevated EAG responses in FAW antennae. Additionally, β-Citronellol and ethyl butyrate elicited amplified responses specifically in mated females and males, respectively. Dose-response study revealed that the observed responses remained statistically non-significant (P>0.05), regardless gender or physiological condition of females across the 1%, 5%, 10% and 15% dose intervals. In behavioural study, observed that 1% Benzaldehyde attracted a substantial number of moths to the treatment side for both virgin and mated females, whereas 1% β-Citronellol displayed repellent properties specifically for mated females of FAW. Therefore, these findings suggest that volatile plant compounds may serve as a theoretical basis for devising novel control strategies for FAW. This includes the potential development of attractants, repellents, and mass capture killers effective for both males and females of FAW, in addition to the currently used female sex pheromone.

Aroplectrus dimerus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Ectoparasitoid of the Nettle Caterpillar, Oxyplax pallivitta (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae): Evaluation in the Hawaiian Islands.

The stinging nettle caterpillar, Oxyplax (syn. Darna) pallivitta (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae), is a serious invasive pest of agricultural products and a health hazard on the Hawaiian Islands first discovered in 2001. Nursery workers and homeowners have been stung by the caterpillars while handling their plants, especially rhapis palms (Rhapis sp.). Throughout its invaded range, it causes widespread damage, including the many cultivated and native palm species that have grown in Hawaii. Larvae contain urticating hairs that secrete a toxin, causing painful skin swelling and irritation on contact. Horticulture and nursery products impacted by the limacodid pest are estimated at $84.3 million (2018 value). Suppression efforts with pesticides and lure traps were ineffective, and the moth population continued to spread to major Hawaiian Islands (Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Oahu). The introduction of specific biological control agents from the native region was thought to be the long-term solution for this invasive pest. Initial exploration in Indonesia and Thailand resulted in the introduction of a pupal ectoparasitoid, Nesolynx sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae), that was not specific. The oriental wasp, Aroplectrus dimerus Lin (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Eulophinae), idiobiont gregarious ectoparasitoid of the stinging nettle caterpillar, was introduced from Taiwan in 2004 for host specificity studies and biocontrol in Hawaii. Host range testing showed the parasitoid attacked only limacodid species, and it was approved for field release in 2010. The parasitoid identity, host specificity under containment facility conditions, reproductive performance, and colonization on the major infested sites were assessed. A total of 13,379 parasitoids were colonized on 162 release sites on four Hawaiian Islands. Evaluations were conducted using field surveys of larvae, pupal counts, and male lure traps. Field parasitism was thoroughly investigated on Oahu Island, averaging 18.9 ± 5.6% of 3923 collected larvae during 2010-2023. The numbers of male moths caught/trap/month were significantly reduced on Oahu Island (p < 0.05). Recently, the hyperparasitoid, Pediobius imbreus Walker (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Entedoninae), was detected, reducing the efficiency of A. dimerus in the field. The mean hyperparasitism of A. dimerus pupae was 27.3 ± 7.6% on Oahu Island. There was no detailed biological assessment for A. dimerus or its field evaluation available in scientific literature. Results were discussed regarding the potential use of A. dimerus in biocontrol elsewhere if the stinging nettle caterpillar was invaded in the future.

Inhibition Effect of Non-Host Plant Volatile Extracts on Reproductive Behaviors in the Diamondback Moth Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus).

The pest management of Plutella xylostella, the global pest of cruciferous plants, is primarily dependent upon continued applications of insecticides, which has led to severe insecticide resistance and a series of ecological concerns. The essential oils (EOs) of non-host plants are considered to have a high application potential in pest behavioral control. In P. xylostella, the insecticidal properties, antifeeding activities, and oviposition inhibition effects of many EOs have been studied in larvae and female moths. However, less focus has been placed on the inhibitory effect on sex pheromone communication during courtship, which is vital for the reproduction of the offspring. In this study, by combining electrophysiological studies, laboratory behavioral assays, and field traps, we demonstrated that non-host plant EOs significantly inhibited the reproductive behaviors of both sexes. Notably, the calamus (Acorus gramineus) EO inhibited the preference of male moths for synthetic sex pheromone blends and reduced the egg-laying number of female moths on host plants, with the highest inhibition rates of 72% and 100%, respectively, suggesting a great application prospect of calamus and its EO on the behavioral control strategies of P. xylostella.

The effect of permanent protective netting on insect pest prevalence in citrus orchards in South Africa

The use of protective netting is becoming an increasingly popular practice in the citrus industry in South Africa. However, data on its effects on biotic factors, particularly insect pests, are limited. This study focused on the effect nets have on key citrus pests in the Eastern Cape province. Orchards under nets and open orchards, of similar cultivars, ages and management practices, were monitored at several sites over two seasons for pest infestation and damage. Weekly monitoring was conducted for Thaumatotibia leucotreta infestation. Other pests were monitored either monthly or once a season. During the first season, T. leucotreta infestation was higher in orchards under nets, probably because, unlike the open orchards, the nets provided protection for the existing high levels of T. leucotreta. No T. leucotreta infestation was recorded in both orchard types in 2019. This was due to generally lower than usual pest abundance and dramatically improved area-wide management of T. leucotreta. Pheromone traps were used to monitor T. leucotreta males, including sterile moths used in a sterile insect technique programme. Although higher catches of wild T. leucotreta moths were recorded in orchards under nets, so too were there higher numbers of sterile moths and a higher ratio of sterile to wild moths, indicating the potential for better pest suppression for orchards under nets. Various other key pests were monitored during this time, with variable results for each species. Pests that were elevated under nets include Planococcus citri and Aonidiella aurantii. Pests that seemed to be lower under nets were Ceratitis capitata and Scirtothrips aurantii. Nets had no effect on Empoasca distinguenda, Penthimiola bella and Eriophyes sheldoni. These differences in pest levels in netted and open orchards trigger an important debate on whether nets are beneficial for or detrimental to the successful implementation of an integrated pest management programme.

Evaluation on Integrated Method of Fall Army Worm Pest Management in Maize Hybrid in Namakkal District of Tamil Nadu, India

Maize (Zea mays L.) on farm trials were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Namakkal to assess the management modules against Fall Army Worm (FAW) in maize crop in terms of plant height, number of cob/ plant, cob length (cm), number of grain row/cob, 100 grain weight (g), grain yield, stalk yield and net return, first incidence of FAW days after sowing (no.), damage percentage, natural enemies occurrence (no./sq.m), number of adult moth trapped in sex pheromone trap per day per hectare during Kharif 2019 in Namakkal district. The treatment T6 followed is summer ploughing, seed treatment with Fortezaduo (Cyantraniliprole +Thiamethoxam) @ 4ml/kg, Border crop with grain sorghum as trap crop (advance sowing) and legume intercrop (cowpea) to promote natural enemies (few rows at interval), Collection and destruction of egg masses, installation of sex pheromone trap @ 10 numbers per hectare, Azadirachtin 10000 ppm @ 1 per cent spray at 10 to 15 days after sowing; spraying of Emmamectin Benzoate 5SG @ 0.4g/ litre on 24 days after sowing and Metarhizium anisophilae(1x107) @ 2 ml/ litre on 35 days after sowing and farmers practice on application of pesticides four to five times in crop period revealed that maize hybrid (NK 6240) recorded highest plant height of (105.7 and 194 cm) on 60 and 90 DAS, yield attributes viz., number of cobs per plant is 1.7; cob length is 14.4 cm; number of grain row/cob is 10.8; number of adult moth trapped in pheromone trap (1.3 number), natural enemies occurrence 3.2 number per m2, and found to be non significant in plant height and growth attributes of Maize followed by Treatment T4 and T5, whereas higher grain yield of 64.25 quintal ha-1 and Stalk yield of 94.8 tonnes ha-1, and first incidence of fall army worm larvae 17 days after sowing, lesser damage of fall army worm percentage (7.2%), were found to be significant as compared to farmers practice. The lesser plant height of 89 cm, 171.3 cm, number of cob/ plant 1.3, cob length 11.4 cm, number of grain row/ con is 8.5, and 100 grain weight is 19.1 gm and grain yield of 56.6 quintal ha-1, stalk yield of 61.5 quintal ha-1 and net return of Rs. 10550 /hand first incidence of FAW days after sowing on 11 days, and damage percentage of 11.4 % was recorded under treatment T7. Treatment T6 plot recorded higher net return of Rs.21,575/ ha, respectively by cultivating maize hybrid (NK 6240) as against the T7 with net return of Rs. 10, 550/- with higher damage of cob, respectively by cultivating Maize hybrid (NK 6240). Farmers were very satisfied with Maize hybrid (NK 6240), as crop find fewer incidences of fall army worm and higher return compared to other practices. Maize hybrid (NK 6240) followed under T6 recommended practices would be a better option for management of Fall Army Worm in kharif season in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cultural practices, insecticide application at different plant growth stages between seedling emergence and flowering on yield loss caused by FAW in maize.

Evaluation of moth community changes and northward shifts in response to climate warming in Korea using both local and global occurrences

Although climate warming arguably induces changes in species distribution, thereby causing poleward shifts in various taxa, comprehensive research on the response of moths to climate warming is lacking. This study compared the distribution of macro-moths between historical (1978–2002) and recent (2011–2016) periods in South Korea using the macro-moth data collected at 18 survey sites to elucidate the changes in community composition. We used the community temperature index (CTI) to quantify the effect of temperature change on moth community changes. The CTI represents the average value of the species temperature index (STI; mid-value of thermal range) calculated using our local observations and global occurrences reported in the online database of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Our analysis revealed no significant difference in species richness between historical and recent surveys. However, some taxa, such as Uraniidae, Nolidae, Sphingidae, and Lasiocampidae, exhibited high turnover rates, while the number of sphingid moths with large body sizes greatly decreased. The temperature changes at the survey sites became pronounced with an increase in the survey interval (year) between historical and recent surveys (temperature increase = 0.0465 ℃ /year), while the CTI change exhibited a weak signal for northward shift of moth species. The CTI using the local data indicated 0.09 km/year of northward shift of moths, which is considerably slower than the northward shift (9.6 km/year) of the isothermal bands. However, the CTI using global occurrence data, expected to improve the estimation of species thermal niches, did not show any sign of northward shift. When observed, the northward shifts of moths were primarily identified in the cold-adapted species with low STI values, suggesting that cold-adapted species are more sensitive and vulnerable to climate warming than warm-adapted species. These results indicate that the current distribution changes of species were uneven, and the species adapted to cold regions are the ones primarily responding to the temperature increase by migrating northward and to high elevations.

Phenotypic Diversity of a Leafroller Archips podana (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) Does Not Change along an Industrial Pollution Gradient.

Morphological polymorphism offers rich opportunities for studying the eco-evolutionary mechanisms that drive the adaptations of local populations to heterogeneous and changing environments. In this study, I explore the association between pollution load, abundance of large fruit-tree tortrix Archips podana and its within-species diversity (expressed in the presence of apical and/or lateral prongs on the phallus in male genitalia) across 26 study sites located 0.5 to 31 km from the industrial city of Lipetsk in central Russia. The Shannon diversity index, calculated from the frequencies of four morphs, correlated neither with the distance to the nearest industrial polluter (a proxy of pollution load) nor with the number of moths captured by pheromone traps (a measure of population abundance). The statistical power of the correlation analysis was sufficient (67%) to detect a medium effect (i.e., Pearson correlation coefficient with an absolute value of 0.40), if it existed. I conclude that the four phenotypes of A. podana do not differ in tolerance to industrial pollution and similarly respond to pollution-induced environmental disturbance. This is the first study of industrial pollution impacts on within-species diversity of insects expressed in the discrete traits of their male genitalia.

Evaluation of pheromone lures, trap designs and placement heights for monitoring the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize fields of Kenya

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is a damaging crop pest that has recently invaded and established across Africa from its native tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. To develop an improved monitoring system for the FAW, we evaluated five commercial sex pheromone lures (Shenzhen Bioglobal, FALLTRACK, Enlure, P061-Lure and PH-869-1PR), three trap types (delta, bucket, and water-pan) and six placement heights (ground level, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 m above the ground and 0.2 m above the crop canopy) in replicated field trials at representative maize growing agroecologies of Kenya. Water-pan traps baited with the lures PH-869-1PR and P061-Lure captured the highest number of moths, whereas delta traps captured the least number of moths regardless of the pheromone lure used. Water-pan traps baited with Enlure and FALLTRACK lures captured more non-target insects than traps baited with the other lures. Traps placed at 1.5 m and 2 m above the ground captured more FAW moths than traps at the other placement heights. Genetic studies revealed no discernible differences between lures in the proportions of FAW strains captured. We recommend PH-869-1PR baited water-pan and bucket traps at a placement height of 1.5 m above ground for monitoring the FAW in Kenya. Moreover, we discussed the merits and drawbacks of different pheromone lure and trap combinations, and placement heights.

Male and Female Tortricid Moth Response to Non-Pheromonal Semiochemicals.

In eastern North America, apple orchards are often attacked by several species of tortricid moths (Lepidoptera), including Cydia pomonella, Grapholita molesta, Argyrotaenia velutinana, and Pandemis limitata. Sex pheromones are routinely used to monitor male moth populations. Adding plant volatiles to monitoring traps could increase the capture of moths of both sexes and improve the effectiveness of mating disruption systems. This study sought to quantify the attraction of adults of four tortricid moth species to five olfactory treatments, namely (1) Pherocon® CM L2-P, (2) Pherocon Megalure CM 4K Dual® (=Megalure), (3) Megalure + benzaldehyde, (4) TRE 2266 (linalool oxide + (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT)), and (5) TRE 2267 (linalool oxide + DMNT + benzaldehyde), in non-mating disrupted commercial apple orchards in Massachusetts. The commercial lure Megalure was attractive to both sexes of G. molesta and C. pomonella. The addition of benzaldehyde to TRE 2266 or to Megalure significantly increased the capture of male G. molesta during the mid and late season of 2021. Only when benzaldehyde was added to TRE 2266 did the latter lure attract P. limitata in 2020 and 2021. The greatest number of tortricid moths (all four species combined) was captured by TRE 2267. This finding highlights the opportunity to enhance the attractiveness of a commercial lure through the addition of benzaldehyde, an aromatic compound, to Megalure. The potential of these additional volatiles to detect moths in a mating-disrupted orchard and/or remove female moths as a component of a management system is discussed.

Pheromone-based auto-confusion for mating disruption of Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in structures with raw and processed grain products

Experiments are reported using an auto-confusion formulation of a sex pheromone for mating disruption of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). A seed warehouse and a pet food store were selected for mating disruption (MD) treatment using an auto-confusion formulation named Exosex® SP Tab dispensers, while a pilot feed and a pilot flour mill were used as untreated controls. In the two buildings selected for mating disruption, the occurrence of P. interpunctella males after the application of MD was significantly reduced, as compared with the occurrence of this species before MD. The number of moths captured in all treated facilities ranged between 20 and 25 moths/trap on the first and second week of the trial respectively, while those number of moths captured on the traps in the seed warehouse decreased to an average of 5.1 moths/trap on the third week after MD dispensers were deployed. After the start of mating disruption on week 3, the number of moths captured gradually increased in the seed warehouse between May and July and peaked at week 10. The highest number of moths was recorded from early September to early October in the pet food store. All the parameters including the facilities, trap locations and weeks differed significantly in the mating disruption trials. The patterns of population fluctuation indicated that moth captures were reduced when the MD was applied in the 3rd week in all the facilities and remained constant throughout the trials with a few exceptions. There were no significant differences in larval numbers in oviposition traps between the treated and the untreated areas, with the exception of the seed warehouse for which fewer larvae were found in the treated time. The present study illustrates potential for mating disruption via auto-confusion system in reducing the population densities of P. interpunctella.

Application of innovative biological agents for sustainable corn farming

Corn, being the most important crop globally, requires effective protection against pests while maintaining environmental sustainability. This study focuses on the development of environmentally friendly methods for biological control of major corn pests. The research investigates the combined use of pheromones, entomopathogenic preparations, and parasitic Hymenoptera, such as Trichogramma evanescens West and Habrobracon hebetor Say, to combat pests. The seasonal dynamics and abundance of cotton moth (Helicoverpa armigera) and click beetle (Athous tauricus) were monitored using pheromone traps. The number of corn moth (Ostrinia nubilalis) caterpillars was recorded, and mass breeding of the ectoparasite Habrobracon hebetor was conducted for biological control. The effectiveness of the integrated approach, combining entomophages and biological preparations, was evaluated. The study demonstrates satisfactory effectiveness in biological protection, with significant reductions in corn moth and cotton moth populations. These findings highlight the potential of environmentally friendly techniques for pest control in corn crops, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

Influence of abiotic factors on seasonal and non-seasonal emergence of Tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta Drury

Aim: The present study was carried out to introspect the effect of temperature, humidity and rainfall on the emergence of Antheraea mylitta Drury. Methodology: An experiment on seasonal and non-seasonal emergence was carried out in 2019 and 2020 at Kathikund and Kharsawan of Jhakhand, India. Meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity and rainfall) were noted twice daily. Similarly number of adult moths emerged were age-graded and segregated as male and female. They were counted twice in a day within the grainage buildings (preservatory of seed cocoons). Results: The emergence of Antheraea mylitta varied month wise following: June to September, March to May, and November to February. Although the emergence of male individuals was more compared to females, no significant difference was observed statistically. Further increase in rainfall (57%) – humidity (15%) triggered more non-seasonal emergence of females. A strong positive correlation between humidity and rainfall with the emergence of adult moths compared to temperature throughout the year across both the seasonal (June-October) and non-seasonal (November-May) months was observed. The erratic/non-seasonal emergence was strongly correlated with humidity (0.75) compared to rainfall (0.32) and temperature (0.19). Daily emergence differed significantly (p&lt;0.01) between the seasonal and non-seasonal months. Interpretation: During seasonal months, the number of adult moths emerged remained almost constant; however in non-seasonal months, the pattern of adult emergence exhibited a non-linear interrupted by sudden intervals of zero emergence. The intervals corresponded significantly to the effect of humidity and rainfall (p&lt;0.001), however, no significant effect of temperature (p&gt;0.05) was observed. Key words: Abiotic factors, Antheraea mylitta, Seasonal emergence, Tasar silkworm

Flight Phenology of Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in the Northwest Florida Panhandle

Elasmopalpus lignosellus Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), the lesser cornstalk borer (LCSB), is an economically important peanut pest in the southeastern U.S. region, and its occurrence and abundance have been associated with warm and dry conditions. In the Northwestern Florida Panhandle (USA), the LCSB occurrence and abundance are unknown. Thus, a study in this region used commercial sex pheromones to capture male moths year-round from July/2017 to June/2021. Our results indicated that the LCSBs were present in the region from April to December, with higher abundance in August. Moths were also caught from January to March in only 2020. In addition, the number of moths collected increased when the temperature increased. Our results indicate a different pattern for LCSB abundance than previously documented, with peak occurrence in warm and wet conditions (August). These results support that region-specific weather information should be considered when designing IPM recommendations based on the phenology of pest occurrence in the agroecosystem.

Moonlight and Rainfall Influence Efficacy of Sex Pheromones in Controlling Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Shallot

Shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) is one of the horticultural commodities that have high economic value in Indonesia. The caterpillar, Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an important pest of shallot crops which decreases both production and yield quality. Farmers commonly spray pesticides to control S. exigua. This can cause negative impacts on the environment and farmers’ health. Therefore, environmentally friendly control measures need to be implemented. Use of sex pheromone traps can be an alternative in controlling S. exigua. This research aims to study the effect of moonlight and rainfall on the number of male imagos of S. exigua captured in sex pheromone traps and to study the correlation of the number of S. exigua imagos captured on the percentage of infested leaves and shallot yield. This study was conducted from March to June 2016 in Labuhan Lombok Village, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province, Indonesia. Sex pheromone traps were randomly set on 12 shallot cultivation plots (Super Phillips variety). The number of male moths caught was recorded every 3-4 days, and then at the end of observations the percentage of infested leaves was determined. The number of captured male imagos of S. exigua had a significant linear relationship with the percentage of infested leaves and shallot yield with the correlation coefficient values of -0.607 and 0.829 respectively. The application of sex pheromone traps to control S. exigua on shallot, during moonlight and rainfall, has the potential to decrease both insecticide and production cost and to increase farmers’ income.

The Gypsy Moths and the Green Oak Moths Population Dynamics during a Joint Mass Reproduction Outbreak

Long-term studies are necessary for effective forecasting and management of the harmful forest insects populations. This article is aimed at the quantitative description of the population dynamics mechanisms of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) and the green oak moth (Tortrix viridana L.) during their joint and simultaneous mass reproduction. To do this, a comparative analysis of data from stationary observations of insect populations in 1975–2021 was carried out. It has been established that outbreaks of mass reproduction of gypsy moth and green oak moth with the formation of complex foci in weakened forest-steppe oak forests have a periodic nature. The duration of a mass reproduction of the gypsy moth is 10–11 years, and of the green oak moth – about 20 years. A characteristic feature is the constant readiness of populations for mass reproduction, the number of gypsy moth does not stabilise at a low level and practically does not fluctuate around the equilibrium point, but immediately begins to increase. The mechanisms of the interspecific competition are shown, and its impact on population dynamics is assessed quantitatively. With the dominance of the green oak moth in the foci, the mass reproduction of the gypsy moth does not stop, but becomes less intense. The proportion of the gypsy moth population in pure oak plantations is declining. Due to the deterioration of living conditions and an increase in the caterpillars’ mortality, a slow increase in numbers and a significantly lower maximum level are observed. The efficiency of entomophages increases, the gypsy moth population does not get out of their control, therefore, a less intensive mass reproduction scheme is realised. For the green oak moth, on the contrary, the biocenotic regulation of the population is less effective and is characterized by a strong inertia. The green oak moth is characterised by the formation of chronic foci due to an increase in the maximum outbreak of mass reproduction stage and its duration as a whole. Mass reproduction is very intensive, the population stabilises at a high level of abundance. Gypsy moth with simultaneous reproduction does not have a significant negative impact on the green oak moth.