id you know that the more spots a male peacock has on his tail, the more likely he is to father babies, survive harsh winters and escape predators? Scientists think that only the healthiest males have lots of spots and that is why they are more successful than other males.
Protecting Forests Through Early Detection of Lymantria mathura (Pink Gypsy Moth)
Foreign forest pest invasion
The moth Lymanturia mathura, also known as the Pink Gypsy Moth, is a close relative of the gypsy moth, L. dispar. In Japan, this moth is part of the Lymantria community, consisting of L. dispar, L. monacha (nun moth), L. bantaizana, L. monomonis, L. fumida, L. xylina (casuarina moth), and L. lucescens. This moth is a potential threat to the forests of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Northern California. Since this exotic pest is drawn to pheromones (chemicals that female moths release to attract male moths), these pheromones can be used to lure and detect early infestations. Scientists at Simon Fraser University, in conjunction with United States and Japanese collaborators, are synthesizing and field testing artificial pheromones to be used in lures for use in detection surveys, which will extend along the Pacific coast from northern Alaska to southern California. This will facilitate early detection and greatly assist eradication of exotic pest infestations, thus avoiding widespread damage to both Canadian and American forests.
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