THE INFLUENCE OF LODGEPOLE PINE (PINUS-CONTORTA) PROVENANCE ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND SURVIVAL OF LARVAE OF THE PINE BEAUTY MOTH PANOLIS-FLAMMEA (LEPIDOPTERA, NOCTUIDAE)

Larvae of the pine beauty moth Panolis flammae (Denis & Schiffermuller ) were reared in sleeve cages on five different seed origins (provenan ces) of pole stage Pinus contorta in the field in each of four years f rom 1985 to 1988. Survival varied significantly between the years. In those years when survival was high, significant differences between tr ee provenance were not found. However, between provenance significant differences were found in larval weight and stage of development. In t he years when survival was low, the results seen in good years were re versed. Significant differences attributable to provenance were found but these were not reflected in significant differences between larval weight or development. In addition, there was a significant correlati on between the proportion surviving and larval weight, which was not t he case in those years where larval survival was high. The results are discussed in light of the pest status of P, flammea in Britain and in view of current silvicultural policies. The use of trees resistant to insect attack as part of an integrated pest management programme is h ighlighted and the need to coordinate laboratory and field studies so as to control for environmental variation discussed.