Population Dynamics of Adult Spodoptera litura(FABRICIUS) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) : Dispersal Distance of Male Moths and Its Seasonal Change

Abstract

Dispersal distance traveled by male Spodoptera litura and its seasonal change from May to September were estimated by releasing marked males and later recapturing them with sex pheromone traps. Mean flight distance was estimated to be 3.5-5.9 km the first night after release and 3.0-10.9 km for the total experiment period. Length of mean survival period after release was 1.5-6.0 days. Maximum dispersal distance was observed in May, when both the mean flight distance for the first night and the length of survival period were the longest. The dispersal distance decreased during summer. Shorter flight distance and lower survival rate were recorded during this period, a probable result of higher temperatures.