Five Years of Continuous Thaumetopoea processionea Monitoring: Tracing Population Dynamics in an Arable Landscape of South-Western Germany

Abstract

Within this paper we summarize the results of the Thaumetopoea processionea monitoring at two observation sites and try to interpret population dynamics from 2006 to 2010 considering meteorological data. Furthermore, observations on the behaviour of neonates associated with oak budburst are presented and discussed. in 2007 large larval colonies occurred and population densities peaked. Massive defoliation and larval migration due to food shortage were observed regularly leading to reduced female moth fecundity. Unfavourable weather conditions probably abetted OPM population decline in spring 2008. additionally oak budburst was delayed remarkably. More detailed observations on the hatching process and the behaviour of single colonies revealed increasing mortality after two and a half weeks of starvation. the 2009 results indicated another increase of population densities, but exceeded cool and humid weather conditions in May 2010 presumably prevented a new OPM outbreak. in accordance with previous studies egg parasitisation seems to play a minor role in OPM population dynamics.

Forest insects and climate change: long‐term trends in herbivore damage

“…). However, if the high temperatures are a month later in April, they have a positive effect on damage area, indicating a positive effect on survival and feeding rates (Wagenhoff and Veit ). Lymantria dispar appears to be affected by March temperatures but with a delayed effect on damage in the subsequent year.…”

Using electric network theory to model the spread of oak processionary moth, Thaumetopoea processionea, in urban woodland patches

“…OPM is a univoltine species found in many countries across Europe (Groenen and Meurisse 2012) and is a major defoliator of oak trees (Wagenhoff and Veit 2011). The larvae live communally in nests and feed almost exclusively on the leaves of oak trees (Quercus spp.)…”

Monitoring oak processionary moth Thaumetopoea processionea L. using pheromone traps: the influence of pheromone lure source, trap design and height above the ground on capture rates

“…Breuer et al . (2003a) demonstrated that Pherocon traps were more efficient than Delta traps at capturing male OPM moths, yet Wagenhoff and Veit (2011) utilized Delta traps successfully in a 5-year OPM monitoring programme in south-west Germany. Similarly, both Gries et al .…”

“…High populations of OPM have occurred in Belgium, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands in recent years, which have resulted in serious defoliation of oak trees (Stigter et al ., 1997;Roversi, 2008;EFSA, 2009;Wagenhoff & Veit, 2011). In combination with other biotic factors (e.g.…”