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The pine brown tail moth, Euproctis terminalis (Walker 1855), is a periodic pest in pine plantations in South Africa. The larvae feed on pine needles and can cause severe defoliation when population densities are high. Population densities fluctuate temporally and spatially, complicating the prediction of potential growth loss and tree mortality. The aim of this study was to identify the sex pheromone of the pine brown tail moth to provide stakeholders with a tool for monitoring it. Gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses of female pheromone gland extracts identified the major component as (Z,Z,Z,Z)-7,13,16,19-docosatetraen-1-ol isobutyrate. Traps baited with (Z,Z,Z,Z)-7,13,16,19-docosatetraen-1-ol isobutyrate caught more males than unbaited traps. A delta trap was shown to be a superior design compared to a bucket funnel trap. This pheromone can now be used for monitoring E. terminalis in pine plantations.

The browntail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea (L.)) is a forest pest that was accidentally introduced in the late 1800’s and spread throughout New England in the early part of the 20th Century. At its peak range expansion in 1915 it encompassed an area of 150,000 km2 after which populations declined. By the 1960s, its distribution had receded to relic populations on outer Cape Cod, MA, and islands in Casco Bay, ME. In 1989 browntail moth resurged in Maine, with periodic, moderate outbreaks before a dramatic increase of the population occurred in 2016. We examined the pattern of annual defoliation by browntail moth since its resurgence in the 1990s as well as variation in populations throughout infested areas in Maine during three years of the recent outbreak, 2016–2018, relative to differences in weather, parasitism and habitat characteristics. Levels of defoliation over 24 yr were predicted by the preceding spring precipitation (−, negative effect) and the year’s previous late summer and early fall temperatures (+, positive effect) when first to third instar larvae feed and then construct winter hibernacula. Late summer temperatures predicted the abundance of hibernacula across outbreak areas (+). Early spring temperatures (+) and early and late spring precipitation (−) predicted early summer larval and pupal nest abundance. Warmer fall temperatures result in more mature populations coming out of winter hibernacula in the spring, whereas spring precipitation drives epizootic outbreaks of Entomophaga aulicae (Reichardt in Bail) Humber (Entomophthorales: Entomophthoraceae). with parasitoids playing a lesser role. Climate trends indicate continued increases in fall temperatures since browntail moth resurgence.

To study the bio-efficacy of selected insecticides against earhead caterpillars in finger millet (variety KMR-204) under field conditions an experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station Vishweshwaraiah Canal, Farm, Mandya, during kharif 2018 and 2019, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. The results revealed that, two sprays at dough stage of the crop, all the insecticides viz., thiodicarb 76 WP (1.0 g L-1), acephate 75 SP (1.5 g L-1), profenphos 50 EC (2.0 mL L-1), quinalphos 25 EC (2.0 mL L-1), lambda cyhalothrin 5 EC (0.6 mL L-1), novuluron 10 EC (1.5 mL L-1), fenvelarate 0.4D (25 kg ha-1), chlorpyriphos 1.5D (25 kg ha-1) and chlorpyriphos 20 EC (2.0 mL L-1) were found to be effective in reducing different species of earhead caterpillars viz., Archips micaceana, Somena scintillans, Cryptoblabes angustipennella, Nola analis, Cydia sp., Helicoverpa armigera, Pyrausta phoenicealis, Corcyra cephalonica, Stathmopoda sp. and Spodoptera frugiperda, Eublemma sp., Conogethes punctiferalis, Euproctis similis, Mythimna separate and Ataboruza sp., over untreated control. However, thiodicarb 75 WP @ 1.0 g L-1 and lambda cyhalothrin 5 EC at 0.6 mL L-1 were found to be more effective in reducing the mean larval population and registered higher percentage of recovery with least larval population compared to rest of the insecticides.

Seasonal incidence of major insect pests of apple in mid hills of Meghalaya was evaluated during 2018 at the Experimental farm of CPGSAS, Umiam, Meghalaya. A total of 43 insect species were observed. The major ones include- green apple aphid Aphis pomi De Geer, pale tussock moth Calliteara pudibunda L., tussock moth Euproctis guttata Collenette, giant looper Ascotis selenaria Denis and Schiffermuller and cocoa tussock moth Orgyia postica Walker. Also, 21 species were observed as minor pests, ten species as natural enemies, two species as pollinators and five species as occasional visitors. Results revealed that the aphid incidence is at its peak (34.75 aphids/ 10cm apical length of twig/shoot/ plant) on the 25th SMW (standard meteorological week) (3rd week of June 2018). Such a peak of pale tussock moth larval incidence (3.82 larva/ plant) was during 28th SMW (2nd week of July). Likewise, the tussock moth larval incidence (4.15 larvae/ plant) was its peak on the 35th SMW (last week of August). The giant looper was at its peak (3.46 larvae/ plant) in the 28th SMW (2nd week of July). The cocoa tussock moth incidence was at the maximum of 4.75 larvae/ plant on the 26th SMW (27th June). Correlation coefficients (r) indicated significant correlation between the incidence of green apple aphid with maximum temperature; and larval incidence of tussock moth and cocoa tussock moth exhibiting a significant correlation with minimum temperature. Regression analysis done herein will provide the impact of independent variables on the dependent variables.

Introduction Oak stands occupy about 15 % of the forest area in Zhytomyr Region. Recently their health condition has worsened. To recognize the biotic causes of oak decline, it is necessary to provide their monitoring, prediction, and prevention. The aim of the research was to reveal the special aspects of harmful insects and pathogens spread in oak stands in Zhytomyr Region. Materials and Methods The Database of Ukrderzhlisproekt Production Association (by 2011), statistical reporting of the Zhytomyr Regional Forestry and Hunting Department and State Specialized Forest Protection Enterprise “Vinnytsyalisozahyst” was analyzed for the State Forest Enterprises in Zhytomyr Region as well as the results of own field studies in 2013–2019 in oak stands in the mentioned region. The specific foci area was evaluated by dividing the absolute foci area, expressed in hectares, by the area of deciduous stands, expressed in thousands of hectares. Results Since the beginning of the millennium, two outbreaks of foliage browsing insects have been registered in the region. Polyphagous geometrids Operophtera brumata (Linnaeus, 1758) and Erannis defoliaria (Clerck, 1759) dominated in the foci, and several other Lepidoptera from families Tortricidae, Noctuidae and Pyralidae were present. The first outbreak began in 2002 and covered over 16 thousand ha. It ceased in 2008. The second outbreak started in 2010. The threat of foliage damage in 2012–2014 exceeded 50 % at 16.6–18.7 % from the total foci area, and in other years, up to 2018, the threat of foliage damage was below 25 %. Maximal foci area (over 3,000 ha) was registered in the State Forest Enterprises Berdychivske, Zhytomyrske and Gorodnytske, and maximal specific foci area in the State Forest Enterprise Gorodnytske (633.5 ha per 1,000 ha of oak stands). Oak foliage was also damaged by Melolontha hippocastani Fabricius, 1801 and Melolontha melolontha (Linnaeus, 1758) (Scarabaeidae), oak flea beetle Altica quercetorum Foudras, 1860) (Chrysomelidae), Lymantria dispar (Linnaeus, 1758), Euproctis (Euproctis) chrysorrhoea (Linnaeus, 1758) and Calliteara pudibunda (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lymantriidae). The largest area of diseases in oak stands was registered for oak bacterial cancer (the pathogen Pseudomonas quercus Schem) and fungal diseases caused by Phellinus robustus Bourd. et Galz. and Armillaria sp. The area of oak bacterial cancer increased in the years when foliage browsing insects’ outbreaks were decaying – in 2008 and 2013. The largest area of pests and diseases were registered in the State Forest Enterprise Berdychivske. 6 Figs., 1 Table, 27 Refs.

Fluoranthene is one of the most abundant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollutants in the environment and it may accumulate in plant leaves which are the main food source for phytophagous insect species. The aim of this study was to establish the effects of dietary fluoranthene on specific activities of digestive enzymes and expression of their isoforms in the midgut, and the relative growth rates of Lymantria dispar and Euproctis chrysorrhoea larvae. Exposure to fluoranthene led to significantly decreased trypsin activity in the midgut of larvae of both species. Leucine aminopeptidase activity decreased significantly in the midgut of L. dispar larvae exposed to the lower concentration of fluoranthene, but that enzyme activity showed the opposite trend in E. chrysorrhoea larvae. There was no pollutant induced changes in lipase activity in L. dispar, while elevated enzyme activity was recorded in the midgut of E. chrysorrhoea larvae exposed to the lower concentration of fluoranthene. Different patterns of expression of enzyme isoforms were noticed. Relative growth rates of both species significantly decreased in fluoranthene treated larvae. These responses indicate to the significance of relationships between physiological changes and fitness-related traits in L. dispar and E. chrysorrhoea larvae affected by pollutant, and contribute to understanding the mechanisms of their adjustment to stressful conditions.

The aim of this work was to understand the development of defoliating insects and their preferences for host plants under varying temperatures in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in China. We measured the main developmental parameters of three typical defoliating insects (i.e., Ourapteryx ebuleata szechuana, Biston marginata, and Euproctis angulata) and their preferences for five host plants at temperatures from 16°C to 31°C at 3°C intervals in the Tiantong National Forest Research station in eastern China. The results showed the following. 1) An appropriate rise in temperature increases the survival rate with an increase in the number of offspring. The developmental durations for these three insects were shortened, and pupal weight increased with an increase in temperature. 2) A shift in the preference for host plants for these three insects was observedat elevated temperatures. They all preferred to feed on Schima superba and Castanopsis sclerophylla at elevated temperatures, showing an opposite response to the other three plants. The daily leaf consumption of the three insects was positively correlated with their feeding preference, with more leaves being consumed from the plants they preferred. 3) For O. ebuleata szechuana larvae, daily leaf consumption initially increased and then decreased with increasing temperatures. In contrast, Biston marginata and Euproctis angulata larvae consumed more leaves at elevated temperatures. The feeding preferences of O. ebuleata szechuana and Biston marginata were more sensitive to changing temperatures than that of Euproctis angulata laevae. We concluded that increased numbers of offspring and generations, pupal weights, and a shift in preference to two plants for these three defoliating insects might lead to severe damage to these two plants which would enhance the fragmentation and decrease the stability of the forest communities under changing temperatures. Meanwhile, the variations in the responses of defoliating insects to the changing temperatures should be taken into consideration for the pest management of forests to adapt to the changing climate.

Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir) is the coldest arid region of India, where apricot is a major fruit grown across the region. In recent years, severe infestation by the defoliating caterpillar, brown-tail moth, Euproctis chrysorrhoea (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), on apricot trees has been reported in and around the Batalik sector. During field surveys, dead larvae of the brown-tail moth infected with a nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) were found. Electron microscopic studies revealed the typical baculovirus occlusion bodies (OBs) with polyhedral structures. Under a scanning electron microscope (SEM), the OBs of Euproctis NPV appeared to have crystalline structures of variable shapes and sizes which varied from 1.016 to 1.596 μm. Most of the OBs were tetrahedral and few were of hexagonal in shape. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of the OBs revealed the tetrahedral shape. The leaf disc bioassay showed the LC50 of 1 × 104 OBs/ml against second instar larvae of Euproctis chrysorrhoea. The 95% fiducial limits ranged from 1.416 to 2.887. This is the first report of NPV from the brown-tail moth in India from the Ladakh region. NPV being safe and environmentally friendly could be an ideal component for the integrated pest management (IPM) approach to controlling the pest.

This study examined the effect of long-term exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of dietary fluoranthene (6.7 and 67 ng / g dry food weight) on defense mechanisms of the polyphagous forest insects Lymantria dispar L. and Euproctis chrysorrhoea L. The activities and expression of isoforms of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR), and total glutathione content (GSH) were determined in the whole midgut and midgut tissue, while SOD and CAT activities were assessed in hemolymph of the larvae. The results showed significant changes of enzyme activities, with more pronounced responses in larval midgut tissues, and between-species differences in patterns of response. Significantly increased activity of SOD was recorded in the whole midgut and midgut tissue of L. dispar larvae, as well as in midgut tissue of E. chrysorrhoea larvae. Fluoranthene increased CAT activity in midgut tissue of L. dispar larvae, and in the whole midgut and midgut tissue of E. chrysorrhoea larvae. Different expression patterns were detected for enzyme isoforms in tissues of larvae exposed to dietary fluoranthene. Total GSH content and GST activity increased in E. chrysorrhoea larval midgut tissue. Significantly decreased SOD activity in hemolymph of L. dispar larvae, and opposite changes in CAT activity were recorded in the hemolymph of larvae of two insect species. The tissue-specific responses of enzymes to dietary fluoranthene, recorded in each species, enabled the larvae to overcome the pollutant induced oxidative stress, and suggest further assessment of their possible use as early-warning signals of environmental pollution. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Filipović A, Mrdaković M, Ilijin L, Vlahović M, Todorović D, Grčić A, Perić-Mataruga V. Effect of fluoranthene on antioxidative defense in different tissues of Lymantria dispar and Euproctis chrysorrhoea larvae. Comp Biochem Physiol Part C Toxicol Pharmacol. 2019;224:108565. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpc.2019.108565].

International audience; The diversity of herbivorous insects may arise from colonization and subsequent specialization on different host plants. Such specialization requires changes in several insect traits, which may lead to host race formation if they reduce gene flow among populations that feed on different plants. Behavioural changes may play a relevant role in host race formation, for example if different races evolve distinct sexual communication signals or adult phenology. Previous research has revealed differences in larval phenology in different host-associated populations of the browntail moth, Euproctis chrysorrhoea (Lepidoptera: Erebidae). Here, sex pheromones among populations of this species are compared, and pheromone trapping data obtained is used in the field to build a phenological model that tests whether populations that feed on different plants differ in their adult flight period. The chemical and electrophysiological analyses revealed that two E. chrysorrhoea populations (on Prunus and on Arbutus unedo) use the same sex pheromone component for mate finding. Our trapping data, however, showed that males fly on average 25 days earlier in populations whose larvae feed on A. unedo compared to those whose larvae feed on Quercus species. Although the shifted phenology described here may underlie host-plant specialization in E. chrysorrhoea, and adults of this species are short-lived, the use of a common sexual pheromone and a large overlap in flight periods suggest that host race formation via allochronic isolation is unlikely in this moth.

We describe the mitogenome sequence of Euproctis seitzi collected in the Mt. Luofu, which located in the southeast of China. The assembled mitogenome is 15, 276 bp in length and consists of 13 prot...

The study presented here aims to elucidate the effects of emodin (EO = 1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) in its free form and when loaded into a mesoporous silica nanocarrier SBA-15 (→ SBA-15|EO) on the activities of the main antioxidative enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione reductase, in larvae of a polyphagous insect pest, the browntail moth Euproctis chrysorrhoea (L.). The results show that only SBA-15|EO upregulates the activities of the tested antioxidative enzymes. These results point to significant differences in the effectiveness of the compound in the free versus the loaded form.

Occurrence of moths in agro-ecosystmes of Northern Kerala is little known, especially in coffee plant. The information given here is based on 27 species representing 16 genera of moths collected from the coffee plantations of northern Kerala covering five districts viz., Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannaur and Kasargod during October 2018 to October 2019 over 95 nights of survey. Five species are reported as major pests (Hyposidra talaca, Eupterotis lineosa, Eupterotis mollifera, Eupterotis fabia, Eupterotis sp. 1) and 20 as minor pests of coffee (Asota plana, Asota caricae, Asota heliconia, Olene mendosa, Euproctis lethiana, Euproctis fraterna, Euproctis sp., Somena scintillans, Aloa lectinea, Creatonotos gangis, Hulodes caranca, Biston suppressaria, Ectropis crepuscularia, Ectropis bhurmitra, Orgyia postica, Psilalcis bisinuata, Miresa bracteata, Miresa inornata, Parasa lepida, Theretra alecto).

The brown tail moth (BTM) Euproctis chrysorrhoea (Linnaeus 1758) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is a forest and ornamental pest in Europe and the United States. Its extreme polyphagy, and documented phenological shift associated with host use suggest the presence of distinct host-races. To test this hypothesis, we sampled BTM infesting different host species in several locations along its distribution, and used DNA sequence data (a total of 1,672 bp from cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, elongation factor 1-alpha, and wingless) to produce haplotype networks and reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships between individuals. Population genetic diversity indices pointed out a higher genetic diversity in Europe, particularly in the samples from southern Spain and southern England. Lower F ST values were found between geographically closer populations when compared to more distant ones, but analyses of molecular variance and Mantel tests failed to reveal geographically associated genetic differentiation. However, haplotype networks and phylogenetic reconstructions revealed a previously unknown genetic differentiation within the BTM, with one lineage circumscribed to southern Europe. Although BTM haplotypes did not cluster according to their host plant, host-associated haplotypes were observed within certain geographic regions. Hence, our data support the existence of host-races of BTM within southern Spain and southern England, where populations from different hosts occur in sympatry.

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) can provide information for phylogenetic analyses and evolutionary biology. We sequenced, annotated, and characterized the mitogenome of Euproctis similis. The complete mitogenome is 15,437bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region (A+T-rich region). The A+T content in the mitogenome was 80.16%. All PCGs use standard ATN as a start codon, with the exception of cytochrome c coxidase 1 (cox1) with CGA. A gene rearrangement (trnM) was found. All transfer RNA (tRNA) genes have a typical clover-leaf structure except for trnS1 (AGN). Phylogenetic analysis was performed using Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood based on the amino acid and nucleotide sequences of 13 mitochondrial PCGs. The well-supported phylogenetic relationships can be generally described as: Notodontidae+(Erebidae+(Nolidae+(Euteliidae+Noctuidae))). The tree support that E. similis shares a close ancestry with Erebidae insects. Our results indicate that Erebidae is a sister group to the other families (Euteliidae, Nolidae, and Noctuidae).

This study was conducted to investigate the moth fauna of the Bigeum-do Island in 2011. A total of 160 species of 15 families was identified. Noctuidae with 60 species was dominant in the area followed by Geometridae (37 species) and Crambidae (16 species). The most dominant species was a noctuid moth, Euproctis pulverea (126 individuals).

Dolichos bean, Lablab purpureus Linn is one of the important vegetable crops grown in India. Among the different pests infesting the dolichos bean crop, hairy caterpillar, Euproctis icilia Stoll is the most serious pest and damages the dolichos bean from seedling to maturity stage. A statistically designed field experiment was conducted with randomised Block Design with three replications and eleven treatments during Rabi season of 2007- 08 with a view to test the relative efficacy of some insecticides for the control of hairy caterpillar. The results revealed that insecticidal treatments viz., 0.002 per cent emamectin benzoate, 0.006 per cent cypermethrin + profanophos and 0.05 per cent DDVP + 0.1 per cent carbaryl were found to be most effective for the control of hairy caterpillar, E. icilia. All the insecticidal treatments were significantly superior over control in reducing the hairy caterpillar population.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v8i3.10308 International Journal of Life Sciences Vol.8(3): 2014: 5-7

The present paper deals with the status of the hibernated larvae (L5) of Euproctis melania Staud. inside their nests which are formed of the rolled leaves of oak trees; the main host plant of this pest. The number of larvae per nest varied considerably; being 49.7 larvae on the average. These hibernated larvae harbour Apanteles parasite as mature larvae inside their bodies. Just the larva of Euproctis starts its activity in spring, the parasitic larva soonly leaves its host and spins its cocoon. The prepupal and pupal stages of this parasite average one and 10 d, respectively at 20.6 °C and 48.4 % R. H. Emergence of the parasite occurs after 11.7 and 12.7 d of cocoon formation, for males and females, respectively. The percentage of parasitism by Apanteles averaged 10.8 %. This braconid parasite is hyperparasitised by the eulophid, Pediobius pyrgo Wlk, but in a very low percentage. The pteromalid, Habrocytus sp. near dispar group was also obtained from only three closed nests. Zusammenfassung Untersuchungen uber die uberwinternden Larven von Euproctis melania Staud. (Lymantriidae, Lep.) im Irak Euproctis melania uberwintert als L5 in zusammengerollten Blattern von Eiche, der Hauptnahrungspflanze des Schadlings. Die Zahl uberwinternder Raupen/Nest variierte betrachtlich, mit einem Mittel von 49.7. Die Uberwinterer sind z. T. parasitiert von Apanteles. Wenn die Euproctis-Raupe im Fruhjahr aktiv wird, verlast die Parasitenlarve ihren Wirt und spinnt ihren Kokon. Das Prapuppen- bzw. Puppenstadium des Parasiten dauert 1 bzw. 10 d. Nach i. M. 11.7 (♂) und 12.7 (♀) d verlassen die Schlupfwespen den Kokon. Die Parasitierungsquote durch Apanteles betrug i. M 10.8 %. Als Hyperparasit trat in geringer Anzahl die eulophile Pediobius pyrgo auf. In 3 Nestern wurde auch die Pteromalide Habrocytus sp. nahe dispar gefunden.

Summary The browntail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea L.) fairly frequently completely defoliates oak trees in the part of the country South of the river Waal and in the “Achterhoek”, and buck thorn in the dunes region along the coast. In the “Veluwe” defoliation has been observed as an exception only. In the Northern provinces the species in question never caused important damage. In appears, therefore, that the North limit of the area in which outbreaks of the browntail moth occur, runs from West to East through the Netherlands. From time to time the limit moves to the North, and back again after a few years. An hypothesis was advanced according to which the increase of the damage and the movement of the limit of the outbreak region to the north would be caused by changes in the quality of the food, resulting from changes in weather conditions. In order to find out whether there is any likelihood of the nature of the food affecting the population dynamics of the brown tail moth in our country, two series of experiments were carried out. a. Field experiments with colonies placed in oak, hawthorn, apple and birch by the experimentor. It appeared that there were considerable differences in the development of the caterpillars on the different plant species and in the different localities. b. Laboratory experiments in which oak, hawthorn and apple leaves were fed to the caterpillars showed that they thrived best on hawthorn, less well on apple and least on oak. It is, therefore, concluded that an influence of the nature of the food on the population dynamics of the brown tail moth may be decisive. Further experiments are in progress.

Zusammenfassung Die hier beschriebene Arbeit vom Einflus der Nahrung auf die Populationsdichte des Goldafters (Euproctis chrysorrhoea L. = Nygmia phaeorrhoea Don.) ist eine Fortsetzung von fruher veroffentlichten Untersuchungen. Als neues Element wird in der vorliegenden Veroffentlichung der Einflus ungleichwertiger Nahrung aus verschiedenen Teilen der Baumkrone gepruft. Die Raupen wurden mit Eichen- und Weisdornblattern aus verschiedenen Orten der Provinzen Nordbrabant und Gelderland gezuchtet. Von jedem Fundort wurde Material des Wipfels sowie der Nord- und Sudseite der Krone der Raupen in verschiedenen Zuchten verfuttert. Ebenso wie 1957 gediehen 1958 die Raupen mit Weisdorn besser als mit Eiche. Die Zuchten erbrachten deutliche Unterschiede in der Eignung der Nahrung der genannten Teile der Baumkrone. Dabei waren die mit Blattern der Nordseite gezuchteten Tiere am schwachsten. Bei den mit Eichenblattern gefutterten Tieren war die Zahl der auf Blattmaterial vom Wipfel produzierten Eier ca. funfmal so gros wie auf Material von der Nordseite (Schattenblatter). Regionale Unterschiede der Eignung zur Nahrung fur die Raupen des Goldafters traten in diesen Ergebnissen nicht deutlich ans Licht. Summary The investigations on the influence of the quality of the food on the population-density of the browntail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea L. = Nygmia phaeorrhoea Don.) described in this paper are a continuation of some introductary investigations published before. In this study the possibility was tested that the different parts of the crown of the tree would not have the same value as food for the caterpillars. The caterpillars were reared on the leaves of hawthorn and oak, which were collected in different localities in the provinces of Noordbrabant and Gelderland. At every locality material of these species from the top, the south- and northside of the crown was collected separately. This year, as the year before, the caterpillars developped better on hawthorn than on oak. Marked differences were found between caterpillars reared on material from the parts of the crown allready mentioned. So caterpillars reared on leaves from the north side were allways less vigorous than those reared on leaves from the top and the south side. As regards oak leaves, butterflies from caterpillars reared on leaves taken from the top of the crown produced about 5 times as many eggs as those from caterpillars reared on leaves from the north side. In these data, no pronounced regional differences were found in the suitability of the leaves as food for the caterpillars.

The larvicidal potential of the essential oils from Origanum onites L. and O. minutiflorum (O. Schwarz & P. H. Davis) (Labiatae) and their commercially available components (carvacrol, thymol, c-terpinene, and terpinen-4-ol) was investigated against the brown-tail moth, Euproctis chrysorrhoea (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), an important pest of agricul- tural and forest crops in southwestern Turkey. This pest is also a public health concern due to the urticating hairs of its larvae. The chemical compositio no f these essential oils was also determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Carvacrol was the major component of both O. onites and O. minutifulorum essential oil, at 29.6% and 56.1%, respectively. The oils and components were bioassayed against 4th instars of E. chrysorrhoea at concentrations ranging from 0.0625% to 0.50%. All materials tested showed larvicidal activities in a concentration-dependent manner. Topical applications of the essential oils from O. onites and O. minutiflorum applied at 80 m lo f solution per larva were highly toxic, with LC50 values of 522 and 1076 ppm, respectively. Of the four commercial components tested, thymol and carvacrol were the most active (LC50 5 367 and 424 ppm, respectively). The other two components, c-terpinene and terpinen-4-ol, were also toxic with LC50 values of 1172 and 2126 ppm, respectively. Our overall results suggest that the essential oils from O. onites and O. minutiflorum and their components may be potential alternatives to synthetic insecticides for the control of brown-tail moth larvae.

The browntail moth, Euproctis chrysorrhea (L.), is native to Eurasia, where periodic outbreaks result in defoliation of forest, shade, and ornamental trees. In addition to the damage caused by defoliation, human contact with larval urticating hairs often results in severe dermatitis. Hence, tools for monitoring and controlling the moth populations are desirable. The female-produced sex pheromone of the browntail moth was identified previously, but the synthesis had not been published. This paper reports the synthesis of the pheromone of the browntail moth, (7Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)-docosatetraenyl isobutyrate, using in a key step a Wittig olefination of (6Z)-13-(tetrahydo-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)tridecenal. Field trapping studies were conducted with rubber septa and string formulations of the pheromone and included dose-response, pheromone purity, and dispenser-aging trials. It was found that traps baited with 250 microg of pheromone of 91-94% isomeric purity (main impurity presumably being the 13E isomer) on rubber septa are suitable for monitoring moth populations during the entire flight season.

Two compounds were isolated and identified from abdominal tips of the female oriental tussock moth, Artaxa (=Euproctis) subflava (Bremer). The major EAG-active components were identified as 10,14-dimethylpentadecyl isobutyrate (M10M14-15:iBu) and 14-methylpentadecyl isobutyrate (M14-15:iBu). Comparative GC-EAD analysis suggested that the absolute configuration of C-10 position in M10M14-15:iBu is R. Amounts of these compounds in the extract were ca. 10 and 3 ng/female, respectively. These compounds were the same compounds as those of the sex pheromone of the tea tussock moth, Arna (=Euproctis) pseudoconspersa (Strand). In field tests, (R)-10,14-dimethylpentadecyl isobutyrate [(R)-M10M14-15:iBu] showed significant attractiveness to Art. subflava males while M14-15:iBu did not. These results confirmed that (R)-M10M14-15:iBu is a component of sex pheromone of Art. subflava.

Analysis of nestling food in four species of Parus and one species of Ficedula using the 'Halsringmethode' showed a high quota of adults and caterpillars of the important forest pests: Tortrix viridana, Euproctis chrysorrhoea, Diprion pini, and Lymantria dispar. These four major pest species amounted in the nestling food of Parus major to 50 %, P. coeruleus to 52.6 %, P. ater to 40.9 %, and Ficedula hypoleuca to 30.2 %.

Two EAG-active compounds were found in the solvent extract of abdominal tips of virgin females of the tussock moth Euproctis pulverea (Leech) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), and identified as (Z,Z,Z)-11,14,17-icosatrienyl isobutyrate and (Z,Z,Z)-11,14,17-icosatrieny14-methylvalerate at 190 and 80 ng female -1 , respectively, by means of GC-MS analyses and chemical derivatization. Esters of n-butyric acid, n-valeric acid, n-hexanoic acid and a methylheptanoic acid were also found at 3, 2, 0.4 and 9 ng female -1 as minor EAG-inactive compounds. Two active compounds were also detected in the hexane extract of female anal tufts at 17 and 6 ng female -1 , respectively. In Okinawa, the binary blend of the synthetic compounds attracted male moths to the sticky traps, but single compounds did not. The significance of these findings in relation to parasitism by Telenomus euproctidis (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) is discussed.

Investigations were carried out during the period 1997-1999 on lepidopteran entomofauna deleterious to poplars (Populus spp.) in Bulgaria. The phytophages were collected in larval and pupal stage and were reared under laboratory con-ditions to the adult stage. In two regions of Bulgaria, Sofia and Montana, 18 new and little-known phytophages in seven families were established on the trees in Populus genus: Limenitis populi (L.) (Nymphalidae); Anacampsis populefia (Cl.), Gelechia turpella (Den. & Schiff.) (Gelechiidae); Synanthedon melliniformis (Lasp.) (Sesiidae); Euproctis similis (Fuessl.) (Lymantriidae); Drymonia velitaris (Hufn.), Notodonta tritophus (Den. & Schiff.) (Notodontidae); Amphipyra pyramidea (L.), Catocala nupta (L.), Cosmia trapezina (L.), Enargia paleacea (Esp.), Eupsilia transversa (Hufn.), Ipomorpha subtusa (Den. & Schiff.), Parastichtis ypsilon (Den. & Schiff.), Scoliopteryx libatrix (L.) (Noctuidae); Gastropacha quercifolia (L.), Phyllodesma tremulifolia (Hb.) and Poecilocampa populi (L.) (Lasiocampidae). G. turpella and S. melliniformis are new records for Bulgaria and D. velitaris was found for the first time in Northern Bulgaria. Thirteen species (L. populi, E. similis, D. velltaris, N. tritophus, A. pyramidea, C. nupta, C. trapezina, E. transversa, I. subtusa, P. ypsilon, G. quercifolia, P. tremulifolia and P. populi) were established for the first time in Bulgaria to have a trophic relationship with poplars. G. turpella and L subtusa were occurred in the highest population densities – up to 1.6 larvae/m and up to 1.1 larvae/m respectively. The remaining species occurred in low population densities in the studied habitats and were not considered to be pests on the poplars.

Summary Observations regarding outbreaks of Euproctis chrysorrhoea L. have been recorded in the Netherlands since 1940 by the Forest Insect Survey of the Itbon: 1. Usually, damage by the caterpillars only occurred in the southern and western parts of the country, but during very heavy outbreaks also further north. 2. The number of host species appeared to increase with the seriousness of the outbreak. 3. Apparently, in most cases, outbreaks resulted from the development of the endemic population. 4. The woody species were attacked in a definite order. 5. It is considered likely that this order is that in which the different species become suitable as food, as the result of different weather conditions.

Summary. Studies on the effect of Catharanthus roseus alkaloids on the biology of Euproctis fraterna showed that at a dose of 10 ppm, only 19.25% fertile eggs were laid. The hatchability was totally suppressed at higher doses. There was a considerable reduction in total carbohydrate and protein content in treated larvae. The activity of digestive enzymes were also found to be inhibited.

10414 Euproctis similis (Fuessly, 1775) Erstmeldung für das Berner Oberland: Mülenen, BP-Tankstelle (9.7.2001). Aus den schweizerischen Nordalpen liegen ebenso nur ganz wenige Beobachtungen vor: Chablais, St.Galler Rheintal (Lepidopterologen-Arbeitsgruppe 2000)., Published as part of Wymann, Hans-Peter, 2013, Faunistisch bemerkenswerte Funde von « Macroheterocera » (Lepidoptera) im Berner Oberland zwischen 1992 und 2012, pp. 23-34 in Entomo Helvetica 6 on page 31, DOI: 10.5169/seals-986039, http://zenodo.org/record/8047981

10405 Euproctis chrysorrhoea (Linnaeus, 1758) Erste gesicherte Meldung für das Berner Oberland: Mülenen, BP-Tankstelle (25.6.2003: Falter), zudem Raupennester an der Autobahn A6 zwischen Thun-Süd und Wimmis. Es liegt eine alte (vor 1960), nicht mehr überprüfbare Meldung aus der Lenk vor. Aus den schweizerischen Nord- und Zentralalpen liegen nur ganz wenige Beobachtungen vor: Chablais, St. Galler Rheintal (Lepidopterologen- Arbeitsgruppe 2000)., Published as part of Wymann, Hans-Peter, 2013, Faunistisch bemerkenswerte Funde von « Macroheterocera » (Lepidoptera) im Berner Oberland zwischen 1992 und 2012, pp. 23-34 in Entomo Helvetica 6 on page 31, DOI: 10.5169/seals-986039, http://zenodo.org/record/8047981

Long-term data sets, covering several decades, could help to reveal the effects of observed climate change on herbivore damage to plants. However, sufficiently long time series in ecology are scarce. The research presented here analyzes a long-term data set collected by the Hungarian Forest Research Institute over the period 1961-2009. The number of hectares with visible defoliation was estimated and documented for several forest insect pest species. This resulted in a unique time series that provides us with the opportunity to compare insect damage trends with trends in weather patterns. Data were analyzed for six lepidopteran species: Thaumetopoea processionea, Tortrix viridana, Rhyacionia buoliana, Malacosoma neustria, Euproctis chrysorrhoea, and Lymantria dispar. All these species exhibit outbreak dynamics in Hungary. Five of these species prefer deciduous tree species as their host plants, whereas R.buoliana is a specialist on Pinus spp. The data were analyzed using general linear models and generalized least squares regression in relation to mean monthly temperature and precipitation. Temperature increased considerably, especially over the last 25years (+1.6 degrees C), whereas precipitation exhibited no trend over the period. No change in weather variability over time was observed. There was increased damage caused by two species on deciduous trees. The area of damage attributed to R.buoliana decreased over the study period. There was no evidence of increased variability in damage. We conclude that species exhibiting a trend toward outbreak-level damage over a greater geographical area may be positively affected by changes in weather conditions coinciding with important life stages. Strong associations between the geographical extent of severe damage and monthly temperature and precipitation are difficult to confirm, studying the life-history traits of species could help to increase understanding of responses to climate change.

Two compounds were isolated and identified from abdominal tips of the female tussock moth,Euproctis taiwana (Shiraki), by a combination of gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection, coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis, microreaction, and synthesis. These compounds were (Z)-16-methyl-9-heptadecenyl isobutyrate (74.8%) and 16-methylheptadecyl isobutyrate (25.2%). Their total amount was determined to be ca. 29.8 ng/female. Field bioassays showed that (Z)-16-methyl-9-heptadecenyl isobutyrate is a sex attractant for the male moths. These chemical compounds had not previously been found as the sex pheromone components in the genusEuproctis.

The extrusible osmeteria (funnel warts) of caterpillars of Lymantriidae were realized as exocrine glands, each of which contains 2 gland cells and 2 cuticular tubuli. On the osmeterial surface, cuticular evaporation structures could be detected by SEM. GC-MS analyses of caterpillar secretions revealed the presence of several, partially N-containing compounds (eg: 2-pyrrolidinone, nicotine, phenylacetaldehyde). Chemical composition of delivered secretions differs from corresponding hemolymphs and seems to be only slightly influenced by the foodplant chemistry. Presumably, the secretions of Lymantriidae serve as chemical defensive tools against microorganisms and predators.