Western myall groves (Acacia papyrocarpa) determine the fine‐scale distribution of soil Collembola in semi‐arid South Australia

Vegetation can exert a strong influence on the distribution and activity of biotic communities across a broad range of spatial scales, especially in arid and semi‐arid ecosystems. At fine spatial scales, patches created by individual plants can support different faunal and floral communities even at locations distant from the plant. These differences can have profound effects on a range of ecosystem processes, including seed dispersal, nutrient cycling and resource distribution. In semi‐arid Australia, areas surrounding groves of western myall (Acacia papyrocarpa) trees are largely devoid of vegetation, being referred to as ‘halos’. Here, we investigate the soil‐dwelling Collembola in groves of western myall trees, the surrounding halos and nearby chenopod shrubland. We also investigated whether the abundance of Collembola was influenced by soil depth (0–5 cm layer vs. 6–10 cm layer) in groves. We found that collembolan density was approximately nine times lower and taxonomic richness half that in a halo compared with the grove and chenopod vegetation. Furthermore, analyses at finer taxonomic levels indicate that vegetation patches differed in species composition, with some species restricted to or preferring particular patches. In the grove, we found a higher abundance of Collembola in the 0–5 cm soil layer compared with the 6–10 layer. Our results indicate vegetation patches strongly influence collembolan abundance and species composition in bare patches around western myall. As patches created by vegetation are a common feature of semi‐arid and arid regions, we suspect that these effects are widespread although seldom reported. Furthermore, as Collembola are involved in the decomposition process, Acacia papyrocarpa patches will be influencing nutrient cycling through their effects on the soil biota. Our results also emphasize that comprehensive fauna survey and management of woodland ecosystems need to consider fine‐scale processes.     

Field efficacy of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) mass trapping technique on clementine groves in Spain

Mass trapping is being used in Mediterranean regions to control Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in citrus. The technique is based on placing a high density of traps with an attractant (Ferag CC D TM^®, a three‐membrane dispensers of trimethylamine, ammonium acetate and diaminoalkane), and a toxicant, aiming to capture the highest numbers of adults in the grove. From 2006 to 2008, field trials were conducted in commercial Clementine (Citrus reticulata Blanco) groves to evaluate the efficacy against medfly of using different trap densities, 25, 50, 75 and 100 traps per ha. Based on the number of adults captured, fruit maturity parameters and medfly fruit damage, a 25 trap per ha density appears to be a valid stand‐alone method to protect mid‐season varieties (Clemenules) from the attack of C. capitata, because <0.5% of fruits on average were damaged at harvest. For early‐season varieties (Loretina and Marisol), mass trapping technique alone did not offer a satisfactory medfly control, because medfly populations were higher in the warmer months of the early‐season variety production, which led to a higher percentage of attacked fruits, even when increasing the trap density from 50 to 100 per ha. However, using 50 traps per ha density combined with chemical treatments only to the perimeter row of the grove gave good results, because <2% of fruits in average were damaged at harvest.     

Butterfly diversity at the ecotone between agricultural and semi‐natural habitats across a climatic gradient

Aim Understanding the response of species to ecotones and habitat edges is essential to designing conservation management, especially in mosaic agricultural landscapes. This study examines how species diversity and composition change with distance from semi‐natural habitats, over ecotones into agricultural fields, and how within‐site patterns of community transition change across a climatic gradient and differ between crop types. Location A total of 19 sites in Israel where semi‐natural habitats border agricultural fields (wheat fields or olive groves) distributed along a sharp climatic gradient ranging between 100 and 800 mm mean annual rainfall. Methods  We performed butterfly surveys in 2006. We analysed species richness (α‐diversity), diversity, community nestedness and species turnover (β‐diversity) within sites and between sites (γ‐diversity). We also assessed where species of conservation concern occurred. Results In wheat sites, richness and diversity declined abruptly from ecotones to fields and remained homogenously poor throughout the fields, regardless of climate. In olive sites, despite the sharp structural boundary, richness and diversity remained high from the semi‐natural habitat to the grove margins and then declined gradually into groves. Species of conservation concern occurred across all habitats at olive sites, but none were found inside wheat fields or at their ecotones. The contrast in community structure between semi‐natural habitats and fields was affected by both climate and field type. Irrigation in arid regions did not augment species diversity. Main conclusions Our results indicate that consideration of crop type, within a climatic context, should receive high priority in biodiversity conservation in agricultural areas. In ‘hostile’ crops, such as wheat, we suggest favouring a combination of high‐intensity management and wide margins over less intensive management without margins, which may merely aid generalist butterfly species. The scarcity of butterflies in arid irrigated fields suggests a need to carefully assess the effects of irrigation and agrochemicals on species’ communities.     

Factors affecting captures of male citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, in pheromone-baited traps

The citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), is an important world‐wide pest of citrus. Larval mining within leaf flush impacts yield and predisposes trees to infection by citrus canker, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri. The present series of studies sought to identify factors affecting male P. citrella catch in pheromone‐baited traps with the intent of developing effective monitoring. A commercially available pheromone lure (Citralure, ISCA Technologies, Riverside, CA, USA) was highly effective in attracting male P. citrella to traps. Pherocon VI Delta (Trécé Inc., Adair, OK, USA) traps baited with a Citralure captured more male P. citrella than identically baited Pherocon IC Wing traps (Trécé Inc.). The superiority of the Delta‐style trap was found to be due to a 3 cm long closing latch that likely prevents males from flying directly through the trap without capture. Within canopies of mature citrus trees (approximately 3.5 m high), traps at mid‐canopy height (2.0 m) captured more males than traps placed higher (3.5 m) or lower (0.6 m). On the canopy perimeter and in between canopies, traps near ground level (0.6 m height) captured more males than traps at 2.0 and 3.5 m heights. Male catch was greater within the tree canopy or on the canopy perimeter than 2.0 away from the canopy. Traps deployed in trees on the edge of groves captured more males than traps placed 120 and 240 m away from the grove edge and within the grove interior. In non‐pheromone‐treated grove plots, the optimal dosage for catching males was between 0.1 and 1.0 mg of the 3 : 1 blend of (Z,Z,E)‐7,11,13‐hexadecatrienal and (Z,Z)‐7,11‐hexadecadienal; however, in pheromone‐treated plots a higher 10.0 mg dosage lure was most effective. Male catch in pheromone‐baited traps exhibited a diel rhythm with most males captured during scotophase (22:00–23:00 h) and no males captured during photophase.     

Spotted cutworm,Xestia c‐nigrum (L.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) responses to sex pheromone and blacklight

Traps baited with the sex pheromone blend of (Z7)‐ and (Z5)‐tetradecenyl acetate captured significant numbers of male spotted cutworm moths, Xestia c‐nigrum (L.) compared to unbaited traps. Nearly no males were captured in traps baited with (Z7)‐tetradecenyl acetate, the major pheromone component. Antennae of spotted cutworm males responded to (Z7)‐, (E7)‐, (Z5)‐ and (E5)‐tetradecenyl acetate in the laboratory; however there was no response by moths in the field to the E isomers when presented in traps as major and minor components respectively of a binary blend or to the (E7) isomer as a single component. These findings clarify the makeup of a sex attractant that can be used for monitoring X. c‐nigrum on agricultural crops in Washington. However, multi‐year season‐long monitoring of spotted cutworm moths in Yakima Valley apple orchards revealed differential responses to pheromone and blacklight traps. A spring flight period showed a strong moth response to the pheromone compared to blacklight, while a later summer flight period showed a weak moth response to the pheromone relative to blacklight. At this time, we do not know which trap type might best indicate spotted cutworm abundance and risk to crops.     

Naturally occurring Trichogramma species in olive farms in Egypt

A survey of two-year studies (2001-2003) was carried out in two olive groves sited at two representative olive growing areas, namely Paradise Park (arid area) and Burg E1-Arab farm (semi-arid area) to monitor the frequency of endemic Trichogramma species on olive moth (Prays oleae) and jasmine moth (Palpita unionalis). The suspended host bait traps were found to be a more practical and effective tool for collecting Trichogramma wasps than the attached ones. Four naturally occurring Trichogramma species were collected for the first time in Egypt from the olive groves, where releases have never been conducted. T.bourarachae was collected exclusively from Burg El-Arab farm. It seems that this wasp species adapts well to the semi-arid area. Three species, namely T. cordubensis, T. nr.pretiosum and T. cacociae were isolated from Paradise Park farm. All of these wasps were also bred from naturally parasitized host eggs during favorable and even at unfavorable temperature conditions of June-August. However, these endemic species did not occur naturally in sufficient numbers to keep the pest populations from reaching damaging levels.The excessive usage of insecticides and the oophagous predators (e.g., ants and lacewing larvae) are some factors that affect the performance of Trichogramma wasps in olive farms.The presence of warm weather wasp strains suggests the existence of well-adapted wasp species or swains which may be appropriate candidates for the control of target pests in olive groves. Additional study is required to determine the best “habitat-specific” species/strains of Trichogramma for augmentative release of naturally occurring wasps and to incorporate them into integrated pest management programs. Efforts should be made to conserve these endemic species from oophagous predators, hot weather and insecticides.The olive and jasmine moth-larvae and pupae found under tree canopies were bred and emerged parasitoids were listed.     

Are indigenous strains of Trichogramma sp. (Hym., Trichogrammatidae) better candidates for biological control of lepidopterous pests of the olive tree?

Strains of the egg parasitoid, Trichogramma, indigenous in olive groves in the Mediterranean region (T. bourarachae Pintureau & Babault, T. cacoeciae Marchal, T. cordubensis Vargas & Cabello, T. euproctidis Girault, T. nerudai Pintureau & Gerding, T. oleae Voegelé & Pointel) as well as commercially available strains (T. brassicae Bezdenko, T. cacoeciae, T. evanescens Westwood), were assessed in laboratory and semi-field experiments for their attributes as biological control agents for use against lepidopterous olive pests like the olive moth (Prays oleae Bern.) and the jasmine moth (Palpita unionalis Hübn.). In a choice test, an Egyptian strain of T. cordubensis parasitized significantly more olive and jasmine moth eggs than those of the rearing host Sitotroga cerealella Olivier. This strain was also most efficient in finding eggs of the target pests on olive foliage and on potted olive trees. Survival and fecundity of a Tunisian strain of T. bourarachae was not affected when exposed to hot (35°C) and arid (< 40% relative humidity) conditions in comparison to the mild standard of 25°C and 70% relative humidity. It was concluded that indigenous strains collected from olive groves were more effective against the target pests and more tolerant to arid conditions than commercially available parasitoid species, indicating that biological control agents should preferably be isolated from the relevant pest/crop system.     

Effect of trap type, trap color, trapping location, and pheromone dispenser on captures of male Palpita unionalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Field studies were conducted to evaluate the influence of trap design, trapping location, type of pheromone dispenser, and trap color on the capture of Palpita unionalis (Hübner) males, in olive groves. The experiments were carried out in two regions, Alexandria (northern Greece) and Oropos (central Greece), where olives are cultivated. In both regions, the majority of the males (> 70% of the total) were caught from late autumn to early winter, whereas < 1% was caught during July and August. Among the trap types used, the Funnel was significantly more attractive than Delta, Pherocon 1C, and Pherocon II traps. More males were caught in traps placed at the periphery of the groves than those placed in the center. Among the four colored traps tested, white traps were the most effective. However, a significant difference in trap catches was found between white and brown traps. Traps baited with red rubber septa captured more males than those baited with the white one. The use of these parameters in monitoring and managing P. unionalis is discussed.     

Dispersal of normal and irradiated laboratory strains and wild strains of the olive fly Dacus oleae in an olive grove

Studies on the dispersal rates of normal and γ-irradiated laboratory-reared, and wildDacus oleae (Gmelin) were carried out in an olive grove using protein-baited McPhail traps. No differences were found in the dispersal rates of normal and irradiated laboratory-cultured flies, or between males and females. The mean distance travelled by the surviving flies up to 2 weeks after release was 180–190 m, and by that time only ca. 13% of the flies remained alive in the grove. No laboratory-reared flies were trapped outside the olive grove. The limited amount of data, obtained with wild flies, suggested that they may disperse over greater distances than laboratory-reared flies.     

Influence of trap type, trap colour, and trapping location on the capture of the pine moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa

Studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of type, location, and colour of traps baited with 1 mg of the sex pheromone (Z)‐13‐hexadecen‐11‐ynyl acetate in polyethylene vials on the capture of the pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae), males. The experiments were carried out during two flight seasons in 2002 and 2003 at a low elevation Mediterranean pine forest on the hill of Goritsa (Magnesia, Thessaly, Central Greece). The hill is covered by approximately 120 ha of pines, among which Pinus brutia Ten. (Pinaceae) is predominant with Pinus halepensis Mill. (Pinaceae) as second most common species. Among the commercially available trap types used, the Delta and Pherocon II captured significantly more males than the Funnel trap. Furthermore, pine density had a significant effect on trap type and trap colour catches. Delta traps caught significantly more adults than the other two trap types in the low density pine stand, while in the medium and high‐density pine stands no significant differences were noted between Delta and Pherocon II traps. In addition, trap colour performance varied according to pine density; white‐ and yellow‐coloured traps caught significantly more males than the other two trap colours in the high‐density stand. The first adults were captured in traps during May, and traps continued to capture adults in low numbers (< two individuals per trap) until mid‐June. A period of 3–4 weeks of no trap captures followed until mid‐July, when captures restarted, at low numbers. The peak of T. pityocampa flight was observed during late August–September.     

Exploring the effect of soil management intensity on taxonomic and functional diversity of ants in Mediterranean olive groves

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Spatial analysis of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) male population in a mediterranean agricultural landscape in central Italy

The results obtained from the spatial analysis of pheromone-baited trap catch data of Lobesia botrana (Denis and Schiffermüller) males are reported. The research was undertaken in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. In the study area, vineyards (of Vitis vinifera L.) are the predominant cultivation, surrounded by hedgerows and small woodlots, and interspersed with cereal crops and olive groves. The main purpose of the study was to investigate the spatio-temporal dynamics of L. botrana, inside and outside vineyards, and to evaluate the effect of the landscape elements on pest distribution. A trend orientation over the experimental area was observed along the direction from northwest to southeast. Correlograms fitted using a spherical model showed in all cases an aggregated distribution and an estimated range having a mean of 174 m in 2005 and 116 m in 2006. Contour maps highlighted that spatial distribution of L. botrana was not limited to vineyards, but its presence is high particularly inside olive groves. The adult distribution on the experimental area changed during the season: hot spots of flight I were positioned inside olive groves; during flights II and III, they were concentrated in vineyards. L. botrana males were also captured in uncultivated fields, but never in high densities. Our results showed that a large proportion of the adult population of L. botrana inhabits areas outside those usually targeted by pest management programs. Thus, in Mediterranean agro-ecosystems, it is highly recommended to consider the whole landscape, with particular attention to olive crops.     

Pheromone‐trapping the nun moth,Lymantria monacha (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) in Inner Mongolia,China

The nun moth, Lymantria monacha L., is one of the most important defoliators of Eurasian coniferous forests. Outbreaks during 2011–2015 in the natural/planted larch, and larch‐birch mixed forests of the Greater Khingan Range in Inner Mongolia, China, caused tremendous timber losses from severe defoliation and tree mortality. A series of trapping experiments were conducted in these outbreak areas to evaluate the efficacy of a synthetic species‐specific pheromone lure based on the female pheromone blend of European nun moth populations. Our results clearly show that the nun moth in Inner Mongolia is highly and specifically attracted to this synthetic pheromone, with few gypsy moths (Lymantria dispar) captured. Flight activity monitoring of L. monacha male moths using pheromone‐baited Unitraps at 2 locations during the summer of 2015 indicated that the flight period started in mid‐July, peaking in early August at both locations. Based on male moth captures, there was a strong diurnal rhythm of flight activity throughout the entire scotophase, peaking between 22:00 and 24:00. Unitraps and wing traps had significantly and surprisingly higher catches than the gypsy moth traps. Unitraps fastened to tree trunks 2 m above ground caught significantly more male moths than those at the ground level or at 5 m height. Male L. monacha moths can be attracted to pheromone‐baited traps in open areas 150–200 m distant from the infested forest edge. Our data should allow improvement on the performance of pheromone‐baited traps for monitoring or mass‐trapping to combat outbreaks of this pest in northeastern China.     

Pheromone trap catches of the olive moth, Prays oleae (Bern.) (Lep., Plutellidae) in relation to olive phenology and degree-day models

Abstract:  The population dynamics of the olive moth, Prays oleae (Bern) (Lep., Plutellidae) was monitored using pheromone traps containing (Z)-7-tetradecenal, from 2000 to 2002 in abandoned and commercial olive groves of Bursa in north-western Turkey. The carpophagous generation lasted significantly longer than the phyllophagous generation. The degree-days required for the anthophagous generation were significantly shorter than that for the phyllophagous and carpophagous generations. The relationship between temperature accumulations and pheromone trap captures of male P. oleae in Bursa olive groves showed a significant sigmoid relationship for the phyllophagous and anthophagous flights. Although there was generally a linear relationship between cumulative male catch and olive tree phenology, the use of the prediction model for insecticide treatments was insufficient. Cumulative male catch–degree days together with the olive tree phenology model can be used as a forecasting method for proper timing of insecticide applications against anthophagous and carpophagous larvae in olive groves.     

Evaluating potential sugar food sources from the olive grove agroecosystems for Prays oleae parasitoid Chelonus elaeaphilus

Chelonus elaeaphilus Silvestri (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a host-specific parasitoid of the olive moth, Prays oleae (Bernard), that can cause parasitism rates of up to 80% in Mediterranean olive groves. A laboratory study was carried out to assess the potential of sugars provided by wild plant species in olive grove agroecosystem to enhance the fitness of C. elaeaphilus. Insects were reared in a climate-controlled chamber at 25?±?2°C, 60?±?5% relative humidity (RH) with a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. Five naturally occurring wild plant nectar sugars (sucrose, fructose, glucose, maltose and mannose) were tested for their effect on insect longevity. The nectar sugar content of sucrose, fructose and glucose in 12 selected olive grove agroecosystem plant species was analysed and categorised on the basis of sugar ratios. Female insect longevity was increased when they were fed on both sucrose and glucose compared to either maltose or fructose, suggesting that sucrose-dominant nectars would bene?t this parasitoid. Sucrose was predominant in the nectar of five of the studied plant species (Silene gallica, Borago officinalis, Echium plantagineum, Lavandula stoechas and Lonicera hispânica). The results are discussed in terms of potential enhancement of the biological control of P. oleae.     

An integrated use of aerobiological and phenological data to analyse flowering in olive groves

Aerobiological and phenological investigation has been linked to analyse the flowering phenomena of olive (Olea europaea L.), a tree of economic importance, in Umbria, central Italy.

Olive tree flowering was analysed by phenological observations in olive groves. Aerobiological monitoring was carried out with pollen traps that captured the pollen grains in the atmosphere by remote distances. This combined study of flowering was useful in overcoming the principal limit of phenological observations caused by their geographical narrowness.

Eleven phenological stations in Perugia province were used and periodic observations were carried out during the flowering season. Two aerobiological stations located near the cities of Perugia and Spoleto were utilized to trap olive pollen grains in the atmosphere.

Graphic and statistical analyses were used in order to study flowering dynamics, and to compare the methodological approaches.

The phenological areas, according to their characteristics, were divided in two clusters each one related to a different pollen monitoring station. Statistical analyses showed the presence of a three ‐ four‐day period during which pollen released in the groves is persistent in the narrowness and resulted in a high correlation with the pollen monitored by the pollen traps. On the other hand, the phenological data considered along with the daily pollen concentrations permit the pollen peaks to be attributed to particular olive areas or olive cultivars. This demonstrates that both methodologies can be used effectively as integrated research tools in this kind of study.     

Factors influencing the effectiveness of an attracticide formulation against the Oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta

An attracticide formulation, LastCall?OFM, was tested against the Oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in replicated small plot field trials in apple, Malus domestica (Borkhausen), orchards in South‐eastern Pennsylvania, USA. Attracticide treatments were applied using a calibrated hand pump, and treated plots were compared to similar untreated plots. Male moth activity was monitored using virgin female‐baited traps, and the potential for reduction in mating activity was assessed using sentinel virgin females. A comparison of application rates showed that 1500 droplets per ha of the attracticide formulation was as effective as 3000 droplets per ha, and both application rates reduced captures in synthetic pheromone‐baited traps for prolonged periods. Droplets placed either at high or low positions within the canopy significantly reduced trap capture and mating with sentinel females. In addition, the only sentinel females that mated in the treated plots were located in the untreated portion of the tree canopy. Mate finding behaviour was equally disrupted by formulations with and without insecticide. Therefore, under the test conditions, the mechanism by which the attracticide formulation worked was by disruption of male orientation, and not by the removal of males due to insecticide poisoning. Two field cage experiments tested the impact of population density on the competitiveness of the attracticide formulation compared to virgin females. A significant proportion of males were captured in female‐baited traps at the highest female‐to‐droplet ratio tested. Equal proportions of males were captured in attracticide‐baited traps at male moth densities of 10, 20, 40, and 80 males per cage. These results clarify some of the factors influencing the effectiveness and possible mechanisms of an attracticide management tactic against the Oriental fruit moth.     

Mating disruption for the control of the olive moth, Prays oleae (Bern) (Lep., Yponomeutidae) with the ajor sex pheromone component

Abstract: Mating disruption to control the olive moth Prays oleae (Bern) was tested from 1992 to 1996 in olive groves in Greece. The major sex pheromone component (Z)-7-tetradecenal was formulated in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymers. Pheromone trap catches were reduced by up to 96–100% in the mating-disruption plots. During the first year of mating disruption a treatment with Bacillus thuringiensis (var. kurstaki ) (Bt) was applied to reduce the first generation or larvae. Fruit damage in the mating disruption plots was lower compared with the fruit damage in Bt, insecticide and untreated plots. In high fruiting years, the proportion of fruit damage was lower than in low fruiting years. Mating disruption applied in the same olive grove over several years progressively reduced the olive moth population from year to year.     

Chronological location analyses of giant bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) groves and their invasive expansion in a satoyama landscape area,western Japan

Since the 1980s, giant bamboo groves consisting mainly of naturalized Phyllostachys pubescens have been expanding in Japanese rural landscapes (satoyama). Using aerial photographs, I evaluated changes in bamboo grove distribution between 1947 and 2006 at Mount Hachiman, Ohmi‐hachiman City in western Japan, where there is an area of satoyama landscape adjacent to the suburbs. I also quantitatively determined the natural and artificial factors that accelerated bamboo grove expansion using a multiple logistic regression analysis with stepwise procedure. I attempted to describe the positions of bamboo groves in Japanese satoyama landscapes. The area of bamboo groves in the survey area expanded after 1967. The bamboo groves are located at the base of mountain slopes and on alluvial fans adjacent to residential areas, where they are most susceptible to human interferences (mainly disturbance). They mark the boundary between agricultural fields and secondary forests. The model analysis indicated that the abandonment of lands adjacent to bamboo groves caused bamboo‐grove expansion. As forests and agricultural land were abandoned, bamboo, mainly P. pubescens, invaded these areas by rhizomatous clonal growth. Bamboo grove expansion in Japanese satoyama landscapes is dependent on the type of land use, topography, and existing vegetation as well as the invasive life‐history traits of P. pubescens.     

The influence of planting date,transgenic Bt maize and hybrid relative maturity on European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) ovipositional patterns

A three year study was carried out at Hoytville and at Wooster, Ohio, USA from 2006 to 2008 to investigate the influence of planting date, transgenic maize and hybrid maturity on Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) population dynamics and oviposition patterns. Maize plants were planted in late April or early May, mid‐May and early June during each year. The moth flight pattern showed bivoltine generations during the three years. The first moth flight peaked in June, with the populations declining during July. The second moth flight peaked in August and declined towards the end of September or early October. Egg mass density did not differ significantly between transgenic and non‐transgenic maize of different maturities. Significant differences were observed, however, among planting dates, sampling dates, and sampling date × planting date interactions. Generally higher numbers of egg masses from second generation moths were deposited on late planted maize than middle and early plantings.