Performance of gypsy moth larvae on hosts from the Deep South: survival, development and host preferences

Survival, development time and pupal weights of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L., which had fed on southern tree hosts were determined. Five species of oaks, Quercus spp.; sweetgum, Liquidambar styracflua L.; and river birch, Betula nigra L., were found to be acceptable hosts. Survival and female pupal weights were significantly higher and development times were significantly shorter for larvae fed on water oak, Q. nigra L., than for any other species.