The influence of geographic population, age, and mating status on the flight activity of the Asian gypsy moth Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) in China

The gypsy moth Lymantria dispar (Linnaeus) is a highly polyphagous herbivore that defoliates a wide variety of tree species. The influence of age and mating status on the flight activity of females was assessed in seven geographically isolated populations from China. We examined flight activity of tethered females using a computer-linked flight mill in the laboratory and found that age significantly influenced flight parameters, including total flight distance, time, and speed. Flight distance peaked in the youngest females (at 1 day of age) and declined with age. No significant differences in flight parameters were found between unmated and mated females. Females from Guizhou showed the strongest flight activity among all seven populations. The total flight distances, flight times, and maximum flight speeds at 1 day of age were 7.50 +/- 2.28 km, 2.17 +/- 0.51 h, and 6.18 +/- 0.51 km/h, respectively. These results provide valuable information regarding the scale and speed of dispersal in hotspots and can improve the management and control of forest damage.