VISUAL STIMULI INFLUENCING ORIENTATION BY LARVAL GYPSY MOTH,LYMANTRIA DISPAR(L.)

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Abstract
In laboratory and field experiments involving artificial and real tree trunks, all larval instars of gypsy moth [Lymantria dispar(L.)] crawling on a horizontal surface were influenced by the diameter, height, and species of a tree. For most larval instars, black artificial tree trunks were preferred to white trunks. The influence of the diameter and height of a host on larval attraction was examined with cardboard columns. The degree of larval attraction to a column of a certain diameter and height was positively correlated with the angle at which the column was presented. Significantly more larvae were attracted to bolts of red oak (Quercus rubraL.) than to white birch (Betula papyriferaMarsh.) or trembling aspen (Populus tremuloidesMichx.). The implications of these findings and their possible effects on host colonization are discussed.