SURVIVAL AND DEVELOPMENT OF GYPSY MOTHS (LEPIDOPTERA, LYMANTRIIDAE) ON CORN AND SOYBEAN FOLIAGE

The availability of suitable hosts is a major factor influencing insec t migration. We examined gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L., feeding and development on corn, Zea mays L., and soybeans, Glycine max Merr., pla nts widely available in midwestern states, to determine their potentia l to influence patterns of gypsy moth migration and establishment outs ide of the northeastern forests. Although corn did not seem to be a su itable host for gypsy moth larvae, soybean leaves were acceptable, and approximate to 50% of the larvae reared on soybean leaves developed t o the adult stage. The extent of foliar feeding and the level of larva l developmental performance differed significantly among 4 soybean cul tivars evaluated, indicating a wide range of suitability to gypsy moth herbivory. Previously demonstrated resistance to Mexican bean beetle, Epilacdna varivestis Mulsant, in soybean lines correlated well with r esistance to gypsy moth herbivory. Gypsy moth survival and development to fertile adults on soybean leaves is a new Finding that is not like ly to have immediate economic impact but could have dispersal signific ance if soybeans prove to be a suitable alternate host.