Research on the evolution of Amathes c-nigrum L. species (Ord. Lepidoptera, Fam. Noctuidae) under Central of Moldavia conditions

Abstract

The larvae of the Amathes c-nigrum L. species are polyphagous pests which attack plants from spontaneous flora, most crop plants, beets, grain legumes, forage legumes, flax, tobacco, potato, medicinal plants, ornamentals plants, vines. Especially after the winter, the mature larvae, produce significant damage in spring, when they attack all the green parts of the plants. In most cases, the larvae of the the Amathes c- nigrum L. species cause damage along with similar larvae of other Noctuidae species. Adult collection with a light trap, observations and measurements made during 1993 – 2012, showed that Amathes c- nigrum L. species was present in the study area, each year, the number of specimens collected ranged from 4 specimens (2002) to 201 specimens (2006), the average collections for the 20 years of observations was of 74,1 specimens. The emergence of the first adults was recorded in the first decade of May, the insect flight continued without interruption until the end of September. During this time were identified two flight curves, first made by the adults of the hibernating generation, which recorded a flight peak in the first decade of June. The second flight curve was made by the adults of the summer generation (the insect first annual generation) and reached the top flight in the second decade of August. The observations and measurements have shown that under the Central Moldova conditions, the insect presented two generations per year, the hibernation occurs in mature larvae stage in the deeper layers of soil.