LARVAE OF NOCTUIDS ASSOCIATED TO PERMANENT PASTURES IN VALDIVIA, CHILE, DURING WINTER TIME

Abstract

Six noctuid species Agrotis bilitura (potato cutworm), A. ipsilon (black cutworm), A. lutescens (granulated cutworm), Feltia maleficia (pale sided cutworm), Peridroma saucia (black variegated cutworm ) and Strigania albilinea (wheat head armyworm), were found associated with permanent pastures during the winter 1999. F. malefida accounted for as much as 70% of individuals. The species found, occured predominantly in their last larval instars. Population of noctuid larvae and pupae varied from 7000 to 13000 per hectarea, showing a low degree of aggregation. Population number, feeding behaviour of the species and developmental stage of the larvae suggested a high potential risk for crops sown at the end of winter (august, september). Noctiud species overwbointering principally in its last laroal instar.