Fluctuations in catches of Epirrita autumnata (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in eastern Finnish Forest Lapland

  • J. Itamies Department of Zoology, University of Oulu and Värriö Subarctic Research Station, University of Helsinki, Linnanmaa. SF-90570 Oulu, Finland
  • E. Pulliainen Department of Zoology, University of Oulu and Värriö Subarctic Research Station, University of Helsinki, Linnanmaa. SF-90570 Oulu, Finland
  • J. Siekkinen Department of Zoology, University of Oulu and Värriö Subarctic Research Station, University of Helsinki, Linnanmaa. SF-90570 Oulu, Finland
Keywords: Epirrita autumnata, Lepidoptera, light traps, sex variable

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.

Published
1993-12-01
How to Cite
Itamies, J., Pulliainen, E., & Siekkinen, J. (1993). Fluctuations in catches of Epirrita autumnata (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in eastern Finnish Forest Lapland. Oecologia Montana, 2(1-2), 19-22. Retrieved from https://om.vuvb.uniza.sk/index.php/OM/article/view/27
Section
Standard articles