NOTES ON THE NUCLEAR POLYHEDROSIS VIRUSES OF TUSSOCK MOTHS OF THE GENUS ORGYIA (LEPIDOPTERA)

Abstract

AbstractThree western species of tussock moths of the genus Orgyia are all susceptible to infection by the same two nuclear polyhedrosis viruses. An eastern species of Orgyia is also affected by these viruses. In the Western States, the natural occurrence of the two viruses appears to be limited to definite geographic areas. Infectivity of the viruses for hosts outside the genus Orgyia is not known. One report of such cross-infectivity could not be substantiated. Bodies which appear to be composed of viral materials but which are not normal virus particles are sometimes found occluded in polyhedra.