Orgyia Mixta Snell. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) A Defoliator of Exotic Softwoods in Kenya

Abstract

The first record of the moth on exotic softwoods in Kenya was that on Pinus radiata in 1950 (EAAFRO records). Since then a number of localized outbreaks have occurred, particularly in the Kenya highlands, eg in 1966 a small outbreak, covering four to five hectares, occurred in a three-year-old P. radiata plantation near Thomson's Falls. In this case defoliation reached 80 to 90 per cent in patches within the plantation. This provided the opportunity to study the pest in this particular locality, but, as the population gradually subsided towards the end of 1967 (largely due to parasitism), opportunity was limited, and the only populations available for study were those is nearby localities.The first record of the moth on exotic softwoods in Kenya was that on Pinus radiata in 1950 (EAAFRO records). Since then a number of localized outbreaks have occurred, particularly in the Kenya highlands, eg in 1966 a small outbreak, covering four to five hectares, occurred in a three-year-old P. radiata plantation near Thomson's Falls. In this case defoliation reached 80 to 90 per cent in patches within the plantation. This provided the opportunity to study the pest in this particular locality, but, as the population gradually subsided towards the end of 1967 (largely due to parasitism), opportunity was limited, and the only populations available for study were those is nearby localities.