Effects of Lunar Phases on Light-Trap Collections and Populations of Bollworm Moths12

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Numbers of Heliothis zea (Boddie) caught in light-traps during 3 consecutive years showed a rhythmic pattern which corresponded to the lunar phases. The greatest numbers of moths were trapped during new-moon periods; the smallest numbers were always trapped during the full-moon periods. Numbers of bollworm eggs were also found to fluctuate in relation to moon phases. Relatively large egg depositions occurred during the new-moon periods; small numbers were recorded during full moons. The hypothesis is proposed that bollworm generation cycles are synchronized and/or governed by lunar phases and that occurrences of bollworm population increases and declines can be predicted.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: