Polyhedral virus diseases affecting the larvae of the privet hawk moth (Sphinx ligustri)

Abstract

During June 1951 a quantity of eggs of the privet hawk moth were obtained in Cambridge. On emergence from the egg it was noticed that a number of the young larvae had died, some immediately after emerging, others after a period of a few days. In some cases the young larvae died before they had got completely clear of the egg shell. Examination of these larvae showed that all had died of a polyhedral virus disease.