Fluctuations in catches of Epirrita autumnata (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in eastern Finnish Forest Lapland
Abstract
Eleven light traps with a 500 W mixed light lamps were installed in virgin habitats in the Vatriotunturi fell area, NE Finnish Forest Lapland (67°44'N, 29°37'E). The traps were operated daily in the years 1978-1992. The total catch of the autumnal moth Epirrita autumnata was 134,787 individuals, of which males amounted to 89,006 individuals. One large peak period fell into the years 1983-86, which made up 57.7 % of the total catch, and another seemed to be starting in 1992. No serious attack on the birches of the area occurred during this 15-year-period.The proportion of females stayed below or around 20 % in the low catches, but increased to almost 50 % during the mass occurrences. The synchrony of moth emergence with biotic and environmental factors is assessed.
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