Environmental Entomology (1983) 12, 1539-1541

P.T.M. Lum (1983)
Oocyte degeneration in Plodia interpunctella Hübner and Cadra cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): influence of temperature and humidity
Environmental Entomology 12 (5), 1539-1541
Abstract: Oocyte degeneration in virgin moths of Cadra cautella (Walker) and Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) occurs in temperatures ranging from 20 to 33°C. Combined with relative humidity, temperature is the dominant factor. Unlike other species of insects where oosorption occurs at low temperatures that induce diapause, oocyte degeneration in the moths is confined to higher temperatures. Although oocytes may be sources of food and moisture, oocyte degeneration in C. cautella and P. interpunctella does not increase the longevity of the moths. Above threshold temperatures, the remains (relics) of oocyte degeneration can be used to estimate the age of virgin moths.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Plodia interpunctella
	Cadra cautella