Sebolt, D.C. and D.A. Landis, 1999. Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Feeding on Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) in Michigan, Michigan State University.

Reprinted from Great Lakes Entomologist (1999) 32(1-2): 75-78

Abstract
Purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria, is an exotic invasive weed which is currently the target of a biological control effort using introduced leaf-feeding beetles. In 1997-1998 we observed larvae of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar feeding on L. salicaria at several locations in south central Michigan. In one-minute timed counts conducted over a six-week period in 1998, densities of 0 to 8 larvae per 1-m(2) quadrat were observed. Other observations indicated 23 L. dispar 2nd and 3rd instars on a single L. salicaria plant. Second and third instar L. dispar collected on L. salicaria in the field were successfully reared to the adult stage in the lab on a diet oft. salicaria foliage. This is the first report of L. dispar feeding and development on L. salicaria. In areas where they co-occur, distinguishing L. dispar damage from that of introduced natural enemies will be important so that estimates of biocontrol agent impact are not biased.

Contact: Donald Sebolt, Michigan State University, Department of Entomology, East Lansing, MI 48824
Keywords: Purple_loosestrife, Biological_control, Aquatic_plant_management
Product Type: Research, Control
User Type: Resource Management