Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Autumnal Moth in Fennoscandia

  • Chapter
Dynamics of Forest Insect Populations

Part of the book series: Population Ecology ((POPE))

Abstract

Mountain birch, Betula pubescens Ehrhart ssp. tortuosa (Ledebour) Nyman, forests form the tree line in northwestern Europe and are periodically defoliated by the autumnal moth, Epirrita = Oporinia autumnata (Borkhausen). This chapter analyzes the population dynamics of Epirrita, but many of our conclusions may apply to other defoliators, such as Operophtera brumata (Linnaeus), O. fagata (Scharfenberg), O. bruceata (Hu1st), and Erannis defoliaria (Clerck), which often exhibit synchronous fluctuations in the same or adjacent areas.38,62

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Andersson, G., and Jonasson, J. A., 1980, Relative abundance of insects on mountain birch at Ammarnäs, Swedish Lapland, Entomol. Tidskr. 1019: 61–69 (in Swedish with English summary).

    Google Scholar 

  2. Anderson, R. M., and May, R. M., 1980, Infectious diseases and population cycles of forest insects, Science 210: 658–661.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Angelstam, P., Lindström, E., and Widen, P., 1984, Role of predation in short-term population fluctuations of some birds and mammals in Fennoscandia, Oecologia (Berl.) 62: 199–208.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Arheimer, O., 1978, Choise of food and rate of feeding young in the Redwing Turdus iliacus in a subalpine birch forest at Ammarnäs in Swedish Lapland, Anser Suppl. 3:31–46 (in Swedish with English summary).

    Google Scholar 

  5. Berryman, A. A., 1978, Population cycles of the Douglas-fir tussock moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae): The time-delay hypothesis, Can. Entomol. 110: 513–518.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Berryman, A. A., 1980, Site characteristics and population dynamics: A theoretical perspective, in: Site Characteristics and Population Dynamics of Lepidopteran and Hymenopteran Forest Pests (D. Bevan and J. T. Stoaldey, eds. ), Forestry Commission Research and Development Paper 135.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Biais, J. R., 1958, The vulnerability of balsam fir to spruce budworm attack in northwestern Ontario, with special reference to the physiological age of the tree, For. Chron. 34: 405–422.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Enemar, A., and Nyström, B., 1981, Om grâsiskans Craduelis flammea bestondsväxlingar, föda ock häcking i fjällbjörkskog, södra Lappland, Var Fagelvärd 40: 409–426.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Enemar, A., Nilsson, L., and Sjöstrand, B., 1984, The composition and dynamics of the passerine bird community in a subalpine birch forest, Swedish Lapland, A 20-year study, Ann. Zool. Fenn. 21: 321–338.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Entwistle, P. F., Adams, P. H. W., and Evans, H. F., 1978, Epizootiology of a nuclear polyhedrosis virus in European spruce sawfly (Gilpinia hercyniae): The rate of passage of infective virus through the gut of birds during cage tests, J. Invert. Pathol. 31: 307–312.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Hanski, I., and Otronen, M., 1985, Food quality induced variance in larval performance: comparison between rare and common pine-feeding sawflies (Diprionidae), Oikos 44: 165–174.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Hansson, L., 1969, Spring populations of small mammals in central Swedish Lapland in 1968–1968, Oikos 20: 431–450.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Hansson, L., 1984, Predation as the factor causing extended low densities in microtine cycles, Oikos 43: 255–256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Haukioja, E., 1980, On the role of plant defences in the fluctuation of herbivore populations, Oikos 35: 202–289.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Haukioja, E., 1982, Inducible defences of white birch to a geometrid defoliator, Epirrita autumnata, in: Proceedings of the Fifth International Symposium on Insect—Plant Relationships ( J. H. Visser and A. K. Minks, eds.), pp. 199–203, Pudoc, Wageningen.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Haukioja, E., and Hanhimäki, S., 1985, Rapid wound-induced resistance in white birch (Betula pubescens) foliage to the geometrid Epirrita autumnata: A comparison of trees and moths within and outside the outbreak range of the moth, Oecologia (Berl.) 65: 223–228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Haukioja, E., and Neuvonen, S., 1985, Induced long-term resistance of birch foliage against defoliators: Defensive or incidental?, Ecology 66: 1303–1308.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Haukioja, E., and Neuvonen, S., 1985, The relationship between male size and reproductive potential in Epirrita autumnata (Lep., Geometridae), Ecol. Entomol. 10: 267–270.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Haukioja, E., and Neuvonen, S., 1986, Insect population dynamics and induction of plant resistance: The testing of hypotheses, in: Insect Outbreaks ( P. Barbosa and J. Schultz, eds.), Academic, Orlando, Florida.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Haukioja, E., and Niemelä, P., 1974, Growth and energy requirements of the larvae of Dineura virididorsata (Retz.) (Hym., Tenthredinidae) and Oporinia autumnata (Bkh.) (Lep., Geometridae) feeding on birch, Ann. Zool. Fenn. 11: 207–211.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Haukioja, E., and Niemelä, P., 1977, Retarded growth of a geometrid larva after mechanical damage to leaves of its host tree, Ann. Zool. Fenn. 14: 48–52.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Haukioja, E., and Niemelä, P., Iso-Iivari, L., Ojala, H., and Aro, E-M., 1978, Birch leaves as a resource for herbivores. I. Variation in the suitability of leaves, Rep. Kevo Subarctic Res. Sta. 14: 5–12.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Haukioja, E., Niemelä, P., and Kapiainen, K., 1983, Herbivory and tree-line birches, in: Tree-Line Ecology. Proceedings of the Northern Quebec Tree-Line Conference ( P. Morisset and S. Payette, eds.), pp. 153–158, Centre d’études nordicues, Université Laval, Quebec.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Haukioja, E., Niemelä, P., and Siren, S., 1985, Foliage phenols and nitrogen in relation to growth, insect damage, and ability to recover after defoliation, in mountain birch Betula pubescens ssp tortuosa, Oecologia (Berl.) 65: 214–222.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Haukioja, E., Suomela, J., and Neuvonen, S., 1985, Long-term inducible resistance in birch foliage: Triggering cues and efficacy on a defoliator, Oecologia (Berl.) 65: 363–369.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Henttonen, H., 1985, Predation causing extended low densities in microtine cycles: Further evidence from shrew dynamics, Oikos 45: 156–157.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Hogstad, O., 1969, Breeding bird populations in two subalpine habitats in the middle of Norway during the years 1966–68, Nytt Mag. Zool. 17: 81–91.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Hogstad, 0., 1975, Interspecific relation between Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) and Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla) in subalpine forests, Norw. J. Zool. 23: 223–234.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Hustich, I., 1950, Yields of cereals in Finland and the recent climatic fluctuation, Fennia 73: 1–32.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Hustich, I., 1966, On the forest-tundra at the northern tree-lines, Rep. Kevo Subarctic Res. Sta. 3: 7–47.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Hömfeldt, B., 1978, Synchronous population fluctuations in voles, small game, owls and Tularemia in northern Sweden. Oecologia (Berl.) 32: 141–152.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Jussila, R., and Nuorteva, P., 1968, The ichneumonid fauna in relation to an outbreak of Oporinia autumnata (Bkh.) (Lep., Geometridae) on subarctic birches, Ann. Zool. Fenn, 5: 273–275.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Kaikusalo, A., and Hanski, I., 1985, Population dynamics of Sorex araneus and S. caecutiens in Finnish Lapland, Acta Zool. Fenn. 173: 283–285.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Kalela, 0., 1962, On the fluctuations in the numbers of arctic and boreal small rodents as a problem of production biology, Ann. Acad. Sci. Fenn. Ser. A4 66: 1–38.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Kallio, P., and Lehtonen, J., 1973, Birch forest damage caused by Oporinia autumnata (Bkh.) in 1965–66 in Utsjoki, N Finland. Rep. Kevo Subarctic Res. Sta., 10: 55–69.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Kallio, P., and Lehtonen, J., 1975, On the ecocatastrophe of birch forests caused by Oporinia autumnata (Bkh.) and the problem of reforestation, in: Fennoscandian Tundra Ecosystems 2, (F. E. Wielgolaski, ed.) pp. 175–180.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Kjelvik, S., and Kärenlampi, L., 1975, Plant biomass and primary production of Fennoscandian subarctic and subalpine forests and of alpine willow and heath ecosystems in: Fennoscandian Tundra Ecosystems 1, (F. E. Wielgolaski, ed. ) pp. 111–120.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Koponen, S., 1983, Phytophagous insects of birch foliage in northernmost woodlands of Europe and eastern North America, in: Tree-Line Ecology. Proceedings of the Northern Quebec Tree-Line Conference ( P. Morisset and S. Payette, eds.), pp. 165–176, Centre d’études nordicues, Université Laval, Quebec.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Kärenlampi, L., and Kauhanen, H., 1972, A direct gradient analysis of the vegetation of the surroundings of the Kevo Subarctic Station, Rep. Kevo Subarctic Res. Sta. 9: 82–98.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Lahti, S., Tast, J., and Uotila, H., 1976, Fluctuations in small rodent populations in the Kilpisjärvi area in 1950–75, Luonnon Tutkija 80:97–107 (in Finnish with English summary).

    Google Scholar 

  41. Laine, K., and Henttonen, H., 1983, The role of plant production in microtine cycles in northern Fennoscandia, Oikos 40: 407–418.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Laine, K., and Niemelä, P., 1980. The influence of ants on the survival of mountain birches during an Oporinia autumnata (Lep., Geometridae) outbreak, Oecologia (Berl.) 47: 39–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Lehtonen, J., and Yli-Rekola, M., 1979, Field and ground layer vegetation in birch forests after Oporinia damage, Rep. Kevo Subarctic Res. Sta. 15: 27–32.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Lennerstedt, I., 1973, Night rest during nestling period in four passerine species under subarctic summer conditions, Orris Scand. 4: 17–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Neuvonen, S., and Haukioja, E., 1985, How to study induced plant resistance? Oecologia (Berl.) 66: 456–457.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Niemelä, P., 1979, Topographical delimitation of Oporinia-damages: Experimental evidence of the effect of winter temperature. Rep. Kevo Subarctic Res. Sta. 15: 33–36.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Niemelä, P., 1980, Dependence of Oporinia autumnata (Lep., Geometridae) outbreaks on summer ternperature, Rep. Kevo Subarctic Res. Sta. 16: 27–30.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Niemelä, P., Tuomi, J., and Haukioja, E., 1980, Age-specific resistance in trees: Defoliation of tamaracks (Larix laricina) by larch bud moth (Zeiraphera improbana) (Lep., Tortricidae). Rep. Kevo Subarctic Res. Sta. 16: 49–57.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Nuorteva, P., 1963, The influence of Oporinia autumnata (Bkh.) (Lep., Geometridae) on the timber-line in subarctic conditions, Ann. Ent. Fenn. 29: 270–277.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Nuorteva, P., 1971, Decline of the parasite population of the geometrid moth Oporinia autumnata during the second year after a calamity on birches, Ann. Ent. Fenn. 37: 96.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Nuorteva, P., and Jussila, R., 1967, Seasonal and zonal distribution of Ichneumonidae (Hym.) on a subarctic fell during a calamity of the geometrid moth Oporinia autumnata (Bkh.) on birches, Ann. Ent. Fenn. 33: 155–163.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Nuorteva, P., and Jussila, R., 1969, Incidence of ichneumonids on a subarctic fell after a calamity of the geometrid moth Oporinia autumnata (Bkh.) on birches, Ann. Ent. Fenn. 35: 153–160.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Pulliainen, E., 1976, Birch forest damage caused by Oporinia autumnata Bkh. (Lep., Geometridae) in 1965–66 in eastern Itäkaira, northeastern Lapland, Ann. Ent. Fenn. 42: 166–170.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Sandberg, G., 1963, Växtvärlden i Abisko national park, in: Natur iLappland ( K. Curry-Lindahl, ed.), pp. 885–909, Almgvist & Wiksell, Uppsala.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Schwenke, W., 1978, Die Forstschädlinge Europas. Bd. 3: Schmetterlinge, Paul Parey, Hamburg and Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Seppänen, E., 1970, Suurperhostoukkien ravintokasvit. (The food-plants of the larvae of the Macrolepidoptera of Finland), in: Animalia Fennica 14. Werner Söderström, Porvoo-Helsinki.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Siivonen, L., 1950, Some observations on the short-term fluctuations in numbers of mammals and birds in the sphere of the northernmost Atlantic. Papers Game Res. 4: 1–31.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Silvola, T., 1967, Changes in the bird populations in Utsjoki, Finnish Lapland in 1964–1966, caused by the mass-occurrence of the caterpillar Oporinia autumnata, Orris Fenn. 44: 65–67 (in Finnish with English summary).

    Google Scholar 

  59. Siren, G., 1958, Hajapoimintoja Lapin metsien tulevaisuudesta, Terra 70: 57–73.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Tenow, 0., 1956, Fjällbjörkmätarens härjningar i abiskodalen sommaren 1955, Sveriges Natur 6: 165–173, 184–187.

    Google Scholar 

  61. Tenow, 0., 1963, Leaf-eating insects on the mountain birch at Abisko (Swedish Lapland). With notes on bionomics and parasites, Zool. Bidr. Uppsala 35: 545–567.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Tenow, 0., 1972, The outbreaks of Oporinia autumnata Bkh. and Operophthera spp. (Lep., Geometridae), in the Scandinavian mountain chain and northern Finland 1862–1968. Zool. Bidrag Uppsala. 2 (suppl.): 1–107.

    Google Scholar 

  63. Tenow, 0., 1975, Topographical dependence of an outbreak of Oporinia autumnata Bkh. (Lep., Geometridae) in a mountain birch forest in northern Sweden, Zoon 3: 85–110.

    Google Scholar 

  64. Tenow, 0. 1983, Topoclimatic limitations to the outbreaks of Epirrita (= Oporinia) autumnata (Bkh.) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) near the forest limit of the mountain birch in Fennoscandia, in: Tree-Line Ecology. Proceedings of the Northern Quebec Tree-Line Conference. ( P. Morisset and S. Payette, eds.), pp. 159–164, Centre d’études nordicues, Université Laval, Quebec.

    Google Scholar 

  65. Wallner, W. E., 1983, Gypsy moth host interactions: A concept of room and board, in: Proc. Forest Defoliator—Host Interactions: A Comparison between Gypsy Moth and Spruce Budworms pp. 5–8, USDA Forest Service Northeastern Station, Gen. Tech. Report NE-85.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, University of Turku, SF-20500, Turku 50, Finland

    Erkki Haukioja, Seppo Neuvonen, Sinikka Hanhimäki & Pekka Niemelä

Authors
  1. Erkki Haukioja
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Seppo Neuvonen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sinikka Hanhimäki
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Pekka Niemelä
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology, Washington State University, 99164-6432, Pullman, Washington, USA

    Alan A. Berryman

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1988 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Haukioja, E., Neuvonen, S., Hanhimäki, S., Niemelä, P. (1988). The Autumnal Moth in Fennoscandia. In: Berryman, A.A. (eds) Dynamics of Forest Insect Populations. Population Ecology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0789-9_9

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0789-9_9

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-0791-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-0789-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation