The relative performance of pheromone and light traps in monitoring the seasonal activity of both sexes of the eastern hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria

• Published in: Entomologia experimentalis et applicata 1998-10, Vol.89 (1), p.87-98
• Main Authors: Delisle, J. (Natural Resources Canada, Sainte-Foy, Que. (Canada). Canadian Forest Service), West, R.J, Bowers, W.W
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; BEHAVIOUR; Biological and medical sciences; COMPORTAMIENTO; COMPORTEMENT; CONTROLE CONTINU; eastern hemlock looper; FLIGHT; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects. Techniques; GEOMETRIDAE; Lambdina fiscellaria; Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria; LIGHT TRAPS; Methods and techniques (sampling, tagging, trapping, modelling...); MONITORING; NEWFOUNDLAND; PHEROMONE TRAPS; PIEGE LUMINEUX; PIEGE SEXUEL; QUEBEC; reproductive state; seasonal trapping; SEASONAL VARIATION; SEX; SEXE; SEXO; TEMPERATURA; TEMPERATURE; TERRANOVA; TERRE NEUVE; TRAMPAS DE LUZ; TRAMPAS SEXUALES; trapping periodicity; VARIACION ESTACIONAL; VARIATION SAISONNIERE; VIGILANCIA; VOL; VUELO
• ISSN: 0013-8703; 1570-7458
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1570-7458.1998.00385.x

The seasonal flight activity of both sexes of the eastern hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria Guenée (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) was studied during two consecutive years in Quebec and Newfoundland, using light (L), pheromone (P) and combined light and pheromone (LP) traps. Moth density significantly affected the performance of the different traps, with P traps being more effective at low than high density. However, P trap catches decreased just prior to the onset of female captures, probably as a result of competition between traps and virgin calling females. Nearly all females caught in L and LP traps were already mated and even the first females caught had laid at least half of their egg complement. In Quebec under warm nights, the pattern of male activity occurred at different times, with peak P catches being later in the scotophase than those of L traps, but overall similar numbers of males were caught in both traps. In contrast, under cool nights, males were caught early in the night in both P and L traps, suggesting a strong competition effect between traps, although more males were caught in P than L traps overall. In Newfoundland, the pattern of male captures in L and P traps was similar at both high and low temperatures, so competition between trap types would always be high. Under these conditions P traps were more effective than L traps. Irrespective of the region, year or temperature, significantly more males were captured in LP, with the effect of L and P being additive. In both regions, females responded similarly to L and LP traps with peak activity occurring early in the night. Captures of females were lower than those of males under cool temperatures, suggesting that the temperature threshold for flight is higher for females. The use of L and P traps simultaneously and/or in combination is discussed in relation to integrated pest management programs and ecological considerations.