REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF THE SPRUCE BUDMOTH, ZEIRAPHERA CANADENSIS MUT. & FREE. (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE: OLETHREUTINAE), IN NEW BRUNSWICK

Abstract

AbstractStudies on the reproductive biology of the spruce budmoth, Zeiraphera canadensis Mut. & Free., were conducted in northern New Brunswick. Observations of adults under insectary conditions revealed that peak mating occurred around midnight, and that copulation lasted on average 4.3 h. The age of males and females at mating as well as their longevity is provided for both years. The pre-oviposition period was similar for both years, 6.1 and 6.3 days in 1984 and 1985, respectively. The oviposition period decreased from 6.1 days in 1984 to 4.4 days in 1985. The total fecundity was 32.9 eggs per female in 1984 and 21.8 eggs per female in 1985. The mean age-specific oviposition rate under 1984 field conditions is also presented. The importance of these results in determining the proper timing of adulticidal sprays against Z. canadensis is discussed.