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The distribution, larval survival, and impact of a tip moth guild (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Rhyacionia specia) in the Northern Plains

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Title The distribution, larval survival, and impact of a tip moth guild (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Rhyacionia specia) in the Northern Plains
Names Bell, Carol S. (creator)
Schowalter, Timothy D. (advisor)
Date Issued 1993-04-27 (iso8601)
Note Graduation date: 1993
Abstract A guild of three and possibly five tip moths
(Rhyacionia spp.) occurs on ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)
in southeastern Montana, northwestern South Dakota, and
southwestern North Dakota. Trapping results indicated that
many of these species may be flying simultaneously, and
individual species relative abundances showed west-to-east
trends.
Tip moth larvae became increasingly concentrated in the
tops of trees as the summer progressed. A significant
percentage of larvae in infested shoots were parasitized or
died before pupating. Parasitism rate was higher in larvae
collected later in the growing season. Tip moth larval
survival rate was affected by larval location within the
tree and the date of collection.
Seedlings and saplings studied had fewer branches on
average than ponderosa pines in other regions. The percent
of apical shoots infested per tree (API) was strongly
correlated with the total percent of shoots infested per
tree (PI) as long as API was less than 50%. Neither API nor
PI was strongly correlated with total linear shoot growth
(linear growth). Linear growth was affected by tree
deformity and available site moisture. Wetter sites also
had higher mean PI.
Aspect, slope, regenerating tree density, horizontal
configuration, topography, and habitat types were examined
for effects on tip moth activity. Impact measures such as
API and PI were not strongly affected by these
characteristics. PI appeared to be higher in areas that
retain moisture, i.e. concave or horizontal land form, than
in areas that do not, i.e. convex or slope land form.
Abundant precipitation may mask this relationship.
Management implications are discussed.
Genre Thesis/Dissertation
Topic Rhyacionia -- Great Plains
Identifier http://hdl.handle.net/1957/13458

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