BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS AS A MEANS OF CONTROL FOR THE EUROPEAN SKIPPER, THYMELICUS LINEOLA (LEPIDOPTERA: HESPERIIDAE)

Abstract

To date no entirely satisfactory control method has been developed for the European skipper, Thymelicus lineola (Ochs.), which was first introduced into North America in London, Ont., around 1910 (Saunders 1916) and has since spread throughout much of Canada and northern United States (Arthur 1966; Burns 1966; McNeil et al. 1975). In Quebec this insect has reached epidemic proportions in several areas (McNeil et al. 1975) and while Sevin® has been utilized, its application causes certain undesirable off-target effects. It is therefore essential to develop a means of control which does not cause these ecological problems.