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Light-trap catches of African armyworm moths, Spodoptera exempta (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in relation to rain and wind

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

M. R. Tucker
M. R. Tucker
Affiliation:
Tropical Development and Research Institute College House Wrights Lane, London W8 5SJUK.
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Abstract

The association between weather and light-trap catches of Spodoptera exempta (Wlk.) was examined for four traps in East Africa, using whole–night catches and several years' data. Large increases in trap catch were found to be (1) significantly associated with rain at all four traps for the period December–March, but not for later in the season; (2) significantly associated with light wind periods at Muguga for December–May, but not later in the year, and not at Nakuru, due to the very high overall frequency of light winds there; and (3) not significantly associated with windshifts at either Muguga or Nakuru. These results suggest that high densities of flying moths, which may give rise to caterpillar outbreaks early in the year, often occur where the rather infrequent early–season rains fall.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 73 , Issue 2 , June 1983 , pp. 315 - 319
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1983

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References

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