EFFECTS OF DIMILIN~® APPLICATION ON WHITE-FOOTED MOUSE POPULATIONS IN A CENTRAL APPALACHIAN FOREST

摘要

Densities, food habits, and physical condition of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) were examined on 10 Dimilin~®-treated and 10 untreated areas in 1985 and 1986. Estimates of mouse density did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between treated and untreated areas. However, juvenile/adult female ratios on untreated areas were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those on treated areas. Mice on treated areas consumed less lepidopteran prey than did mice on untreated areas (p < 0.05), but the total amount of food consumed per mouse did not differ significantly between treated and untreated areas (p > 0.05); mice in treated areas apparently compensated for the loss of lepidopterans by using other food sources more heavily. Body measurements, weight, and fat content of mice did not differ (p > 0.05) between treated and untreated areas.