The seasonal flight activity of both sexes of the eastern hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria Guenée (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) was studied during two consecutive years in Quebec and Newfoundland, using light (L), pheromone (P) and combined light and pheromone (LP) traps. Moth density significantly affected the performance of the different traps, with P traps being more effective at low than high density. However, P trap catches decreased just prior to the onset of female captures, probably as a result of competition between traps and virgin calling females. Nearly all females caught in L and LP traps were already mated and even the first females caught had laid at least half of their egg complement. In Quebec under warm nights, the pattern of male activity occurred at different times, with peak P catches being later in the scotophase than those of L traps, but overall similar numbers of males were caught in both traps. In contrast, under cool nights, males were caught early in the night in both P and L traps, suggesting a strong competition effect between traps, although more males were caught in P than L traps overall. In Newfoundland, the pattern of male captures in L and P traps was similar at both high and low temperatures, so competition between trap types would always be high. Under these conditions P traps were more effective than L traps. Irrespective of the region, year or temperature, significantly more males were captured in LP, with the effect of L and P being additive. In both regions, females responded similarly to L and LP traps with peak activity occurring early in the night. Captures of females were lower than those of males under cool temperatures, suggesting that the temperature threshold for flight is higher for females. The use of L and P traps simultaneously and/or in combination is discussed in relation to integrated pest management programs and ecological considerations.

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Porapak Q-captured volatiles of malePolygraphus rufipennis (Kirby) boring in black spruce and white spruce from Newfoundland and British Columbia, respectively, contained 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol. Volatiles from logs in which the males had been joined by females contained the compound in reduced quantities. Hindgut extracts from male and femaleP. rufipennis disclosed no male-specific volatiles, but 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol was detected in extracts of male-produced frass. The compound was not present in extracts from fresh phloem tissue.P. rufipennis of both sexes responded strongly in the field to traps baited with 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol released at 4390 μg/day. There was little response to unbaited traps, fresh uninfested black spruce logs, or to 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol released at lower rates. Combination of 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol with either one of five terpenes prevalent in black spruce did not enhance beetle catch. Approximately half of 20 black spruce trees baited with 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol were attacked, compared to 20.0% of 10 unbaited control trees. This new aggregation pheromone could be used to monitor or manageP. rufipennis populations.

Abstract--(E)-I 1,13-Tetradecadienal (El 1,13-14: Aid) is the major sex pheromone component of the eastern blackheaded budworm (EBB), Acleris variana (Fern.). The compound was identified in female pheromone gland extracts by coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD), coupled GC-mass spectrometry in selected ion monitoring mode, and retention index calculations of candidate pheromone components. El 1,13-14 : Aid alone as trap bait was very attractive to male EBB. Addition of the corresponding diene alcohol or acetate or both did not enhance attraction. (Z)-l 1,13-Tetradecadienal in binary combination with (E)-11,13-14 : Aid neither enhanced nor reduced trap catches. Increasing the amounts of pheromone from 0.01 to 10 #g increased trap catches, but increase of pheromone quantity above 100 /zg proportionately reduced attraction. Stabilization of slowly polymerizing El 1,13-14 : Aid and development of a sustained, adequate release rate is required for pheromone-based monitoring of EBB populations.