Aquatic Plant Control Research Program. Mortality of Third Instar Sameodes Albiguttalis Larvae due to Constant Low Temperature Exposures in the Laboratory

摘要

This project was designed to establish baseline information on the overwintering capability of the moth Sameodes albiguttalis (Warren) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). This moth has proven to be an effective agent in controlling the growth of waterhyacinth in locations where populations of the moth have remained established for several consecutive growing seasons. In areas where establishment success has been limited, the effectiveness of S. albiguttalis has been less noticeable. The objective of this project was to determine the proportion of third instar Sameodes albiguttalis larvae that will be killed when exposed to a constant low temperature. Test temperatures studied were +6, +4, +2, -2, -4, and -6C. No significant mortality resulted from exposures of either +6 or +4C. Exposures to temperatures of +2C or lower resulted in significant mortality. Mortality at -4 and -6C was similar and approximately twice that observed at -2C.