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Migration and low population density in armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) life histories

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

A. G. Gatehouse
A. G. Gatehouse
Affiliation:
School of Animal Biology, University College of North Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, U.K.
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Abstract

Field and laboratory evidence now suggests that the African armyworm, Spodoptera exempta, is specifically adapted for survival at low population densities, providing a new basis for understanding the significance of its phase polyphenism and migratory strategy. This conclusion allows deductions to be made as to the expected extent of displacement of flying moths from low and, when they occur as a result of impeded or inadequate dispersal of parent moths, high density populations. The proposed migratory strategy which depends on the genetic determination of flight potential also provides a framework for interpreting observed patterns of armyworm outbreaks through the season and in relation to rainfall. Traits associated with a low-density, “armyworm” strategy are shared by other Noctuids which may have similar life histories.

Résumé

Les données de laboratoire et de terrain montrent que la légionnaire africaine, Spodoptera exempta, est spécifiquement adaptée pour survivre dans les conditions de faible densité offrant ainsi une nouvelle structure de base pour comprendre la signification du polyphénisme de phase et la stratégie migratoire de cette espèce. Ceci nous permet de prédire l'étendue des déplacements migratoires des adultes chez les populations de faible densité de même que chez celles de forte densité où la dispersion de la génération précédente a été limitée. La stratégie migratoire proposée, fondée sur une détermination génétique du vol, offre aussi une nouvelle base pour interpréter les épidemies saisonnières, associées avec le phénomène des pluies chez la légionnaire. Les traits qui sont associés à la stratégie pendant les conditions de faible densité sont aussi rencontrés chez d'autres Noctuides qui partagent les mêmes modes de vie.

Keywords

Spodoptera exemptaNoctuidaeAfrican armywormflightmigrationdispersalphase polyphenismpopulation densitygenetics of flight potentialheritabilityevolution of migrationlife history strategiescontrolSpodoptera exemptaNoctuidaelégionnaire africainevolmigrationdispersionpolyphénisme de phasedensité des populationsdétermination génétique du volévolution de migrationmodes de vielutte
Type
Symposium IV: Migration and Dispersal of Tropical Noctuid Moths
Information
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science , Volume 8 , Issue 4-5-6: Recent Advances in Research on Tropical Entomology , December 1987 , pp. 573 - 580
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1987

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