Developmental and Reproductive Performance of the Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), on Selected Hosts Common to Mid-Atlantic and Southern Forests 1

Abstract

Larvae of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, were reared on selected deciduous and coniferous species. Survival, larval and pupal developmental period, pupal weight, and adult fecundity of individuals reared on red oak, white oak, willow oak, sweet gum, red maple, synthetic diet, Virginia pine, loblolly pine, and white pine were recorded. All larvae reared on the conifer species perished, whereas mortality on all other species except red maple was low. Sweet gum-reared larvae had the shortest developmental period, highest pupal weights, and largest mean fecundity.