MIGRATORY ECOLOGY OF THE BLACK CUTWORM

The long-range migration of insects in general is briefly discussed he re and serves as an introduction for in-depth inquiry into the migrato ry ecology of Agrotis ipsilon, the black cutworm. Zoogeography, pest s tatus and injury, and seasonal occurrence of the species are reviewed. Circumstantial evidence of long-range movement of A. ipsilon moths wi thin both hemispheres is presented, followed by experimental evidence of long-range movement of A. ipsilon moths in China and North America. Based upon experimental evidence published by several investigators, a theory is proposed of the existence of a thermal range (0-36 degrees C) for A. ipsilon pupae that acts as the precursor for adult (moth) m igration. This theory should help explain the circumstantial and empir ical evidence gathered upon the annual appearance and disappearance of this species over large geographic areas.