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Telescopic Observation of the Moon as a Means for Observing Migration of the Army Cutworm, Chorizagrotis Auxiliaris (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Author(s) -
Pruess K. P.,
Pruess Neva C.
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/1933805
Subject(s) - cutworm , noctuidae , lepidoptera genitalia , diel vertical migration , nocturnal , altitude (triangle) , ecology , range (aeronautics) , wind speed , insect flight , environmental science , atmospheric sciences , geography , wing , geology , biology , meteorology , physics , aerospace engineering , geometry , mathematics , engineering , thermodynamics
Nocturnal insect activity was observed through telescopes focused on the moon. Flight direction was computed and methods were developed for estimating height and determining vertical distribution. Total density was correlated with light—trap catches; effective range of a light—trap was about 7 meters. Species identification was impossible but the method was selective for larger and higher—flying insects. Characteristics of insect activity observed during periods of army cutworm abundance indicate that it orients to the west during spring migration. Activity and altitude of flight were modified by wind direction and velocity but flight direction during migration was independent of wind.