Emergence of Amsacta moorei moths as influenced by ambient weather parameters

Abstract

A three year study (July 1993 to August 1995) was conducted at Hisar to observe the emergence pattern of Amsacta
moorei Butler moths in the field in relation to temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. Laboratory-reared fully
grown larvae were released and allowed to pupate in the soil under caged conditions in the field. Moth emergence was
observed to be directly related to the mean relative humidity (70%) coupled with mean temperature around 30^oC.
About three-fourth moth population of a generation emerged during the same year and of these ca. 80% emerged
within 7-10 days after rains resulting above atmospheric conditions. The remaining moths emerged in the following
year(s). For initiation of moth emergence a minimum of 70-80% relative humidity was found to be necessary. Subsequent
moth emergence could, however, be observed even at a lower relative humidity but not below 50%.