Potential Differences and Methods of Determining Gypsy Moth Female Flight Capabilities: Implications for the Establishment and Spread in Novel Habitats

The introduction of the Asian gypsy moth into novel environments continues with frequent interceptions in North America. There is a concern that these subspecies will pose greater threat to forests and urban America than established moths (Lymantria dispardispar L.), due their capacity for female flight. populations vary many key traits, including flight capabilities. potential impacts flight, combination other on ecology spread this insect are first discussed communication. This also provides review most current literature variations capability distance populations, as well variation traits methods identification, special attention paid Lymantria dispar japonica Motschulsky asiatica Vinkovskij. currently good tools identifying general origin introduced but do not provide enough information effectively manage introductions. Gypsy differ among even within each moth, so from world areas locations where already present could result unwanted changes biology. It appears flight-capable females enhance population’s dispersal require modifications management protocols used flightless females. Therefore, rapid assess needed adequately plan for, or deal with, new introductions habitats.