PARASITIC MITES (ACARI: ERYTHRAEIDAE) ON SPRUCE BUDWORM MOTHS (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE)

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Abstract
At least two species of parasitic larval mites of the erythraeid genus Leptus were found on male spruce bud worm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.), moths attracted to pheromone-baited traps. Mites were found on 28.5% of 2298 male moths captured during three trapping days in July 1977. Numbers of mite-infested moths were positively correlated with catch density. Percentage mite infestation increased with time. Red larval mites were also collected from both male and female free-flying budworm moths. Attachment sites include: wing veins, cervix, compound eye, femur, and abdomen. As many as four mites were collected from one female moth.