DIEL PERIODICITY OF MALE SEX PHEROMONE RESPONSE AND FEMALE ATTRACTIVENESS IN THE GYPSY MOTH (LEPIDOPTERA: LYMANTRIIDAE)

In field studies gypsy moth males were attracted to synthetic cis-7,8-epoxy-2-methyloctadecane (disparlure), the female sex pheromone, and virgin females from 0900 to 2000 (Eastern Standard Time). The greatest numbers of males were lured to the synthetic attractant or the calling female from 1100 to 1500. These periods of male response are longer than reported in previous (1896 and 1932) New England investigations and suggest the possible recent evolution of a new diel rhythm of male sex pheromone respons