An Artificial Diet for the Gypsy Moth, Porthetria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

Abstract

A diet developed originally for rearing bollworms was modified by adding linolenic acid, and increasing the quantity of wheat germ meal. Individuals reared on this diet exceeded field-collected specimens in size, weight, and egg production. Surface disinfection of eggs with sodium hypochlorite greatly reduced mortality from disease, especially nuclear polyhedrosis. Methods of handling eggs and larvae are described.