Phenology of Nun Moth

Research Issue

Some information on nun moth phenology is available in the European literature but it is not detailed enough to allow models developed for gypsy moth to be modified to predict nun moth phenology.

Our Research

Newly hatched larvae were either setup in petri dishes with chucks of artificial diet or sprigs of white spruce in a water pick.  Larvae that molted were daily moved to a new dish and labeled with the instar and molt date.  When the larvae reached the reached the 4th instar they were moved to paper cups with diet or gallon paper containers with a larger quantity of foliage.  Data on days in each instar/stage, mortality, and weights by instar were collected. 

Research Results

The phenology of nun moth on both the artificial diet and white spruce has been determined and could be used to develop a life stage model.  Nun moth had 4-6 instars on both the artificial diet and white spruce.  Males tended to develop faster than females and began emerging sooner.

Research Participants

Principal Investigators

• Melody Keena, USDA Forest Service- Northern Research Station Research Entomologist
• Alice Vandel, USDA Forest Service- Northern Research Station Biological Science Technician

Last Modified: 09/18/2009

For further details log on website :
https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/disturbance/invasive_species/nun_moth/biology_ecology/phenology/