TRANSPORT OF HAY AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE PASSIVE DISPERSAL OF THE EUROPEAN SKIPPER, THYMELICUS LINEOLA (LEPIDOPTERA: HESPERIIDAE)

Abstract
Hay bales from areas of high skipper densities contained an estimated 5000 viable eggs/bale underlining the importance of passive transport of Thymelicus lineola (Ochs.) eggs in hay as a means of dispersal for this insect pest. While eggs ingested by cows did not survive it is believed that, in view of the number present in each bale, some would not be eaten and could be the source for a new infestation.