Effect of Leaf Age and Photoperiod on Buck Moth (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) Larval and Pupal Development

Dietary “early season” live oak foliage and longer scotophase accelerated larval development and resulted in heavier pupae of the buck moth, Hemileuca maia (Drury). Female pupae were heavier than male pupae under all conditions. Males required significantly fewer days to pupate. Rearing at a shortened scotophase on more mature foliage reduced larval survival. Phenolics and tannins were higher in early season oak foliage than in late spring foliage.