THE LARCH CASEBEARER (LEPIDOPTERA: COLEOPHORIDAE) AND ITS PARASITES: II. THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT GROWTH STAGES OF LARIX OCCIDENTALIS FOLIAGE ON CASEBEARER DEVELOPMENT AND SURVIVAL

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Abstract
Last-stage larvae of Coleophora laricella (Hbn.) were transferred to foliated Larix occidentalis Nutt. trees in four stages of growth for feeding. Based on insect survival, development rate, and size, trees with newly flushing foliage were best for rearing; trees which had completed shoot elongation were nearly as favorable. Both were distinctly superior to trees with elongating shoots and to trees with foliage so old that the current year’s buds were breaking. It is important to recognize the effects of tree growth stage when rearing C. laricella parasites in the laboratory, because parasite survival and sex ratio can be significantly influenced.