Preliminary investigation into aspects of the population biology of the Yucca moth, Tegeticula yuccasella, and the plant Yucca filamentosa.

Abstract

During the summer of 1990, population studies were conducted on the yucca moth confined to the cultivated yuccas constituting an island population in Emporia, Kansas. Mark-recapture of adults allowed estimations of the total population, sex ratios, flight range, and life span. By sampling pods and counting emergence holes, this allowed an estimation of the total larval population. Comparisons of female moths and emergence holes provided a moth-to-Iarvae ratio. Results suggest tae moths remain on site, are active less than five days, and few of their larvae survive in mature pods. with additional studies that would complete a life-table, it might be possible to determine what prevents "cheating." (A "cheater" is a moth that lays too many eggs and decimates yucca seed production).