The ecology of Oncopera Fasciculata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae) in South Australia. 1. Field observations on the nubers of O. Fasciculata and the factors influencing birth rate and death rate.

Abstract

During some years the underground grass caterpillar, Oncopera fasciculata (Walker), appears in large numbers and causes severe damage to improved pastures in the lower south-east of South Australia and the Central and Western Districts of Victoria. The present paper, which is the first of several, includes a description of the area of study and an account of field observations on the components of the environment that may influence the survivaI rate of the species.