Entomological Society of Canada Student Member Information Form

Name: Brad C Jones

University: University of Alberta

Address: Department of Biological Sciences, CW 405 Biological Sciences Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9

E-mail Address: bcjones@ualberta.ca

Advisor: Maya Evenden

Thesis Title: A combined sex pheromone-based monitoring system for forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria Hübner and large aspen tortrix, Choristoneura conflictana Walker

Research Summary:
The forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria Hübner (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae), and large aspen tortrix, Choristoneura conflictana Walker (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) are both important defoliators of trembling aspen in Canada. As the species do not share pheromone components but do exhibit overlapping adult flight periods, the opportunity exists for a combined sex pheromone-based monitoring tool to detect changes in population density. The goal is to relate male moth capture with relative densities of immature stages to develop a predictive model. The combined approach is novel and could prove to be an effective tool for studying species interactions. Furthermore, a thorough ecological understanding of mating behaviour is required to obtain optimum benefit from sex-pheromone based research. Thus, I will perform a complementary study to elucidate mate-calling behaviour of forest tent caterpillar and large aspen tortrix adults.

Keywords: chemical ecology, behavioural ecology, forest tent caterpillar, trembling aspen, outbreaking forest pest

Degree Sought: MSc

Expected Year of Completion: 2007

Personal Homepage: http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/faculty/maya_evenden/index.php?Page=3543