THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON FLIGHT INITIATION OF PINE PROCESSIONARY MOTH IN BULGARIA

The purpose of the present work is to study the temperature effect on the flight initiation of the Thaumetopoea pityocampa. Our results show that the flight initiation of males is at relatively lower temperatures than females. Also, the average temperature for the flight initiation of the summer form is lower than for the winter one. This indicates a better adaptability of the summer form to lower ambient temperatures which should favour its spread in habitats located at a higher altitude in the country.

Automated summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of temperature on the flight initiation of Thaumetopoea pityocampa. The findings reveal that the flight initiation temperature for males is relatively lower compared to females. Additionally, the average temperature for the flight initiation of the summer form is lower than for the winter form. This suggests that the summer form has better adaptability to lower ambient temperatures, thereby promoting its distribution in habitats located at higher altitudes.