BIONOMICS AND SEASONAL ABUNDANCE OF THE BANDED SUNFLOWER MOTH (LEPIDOPTERA, COCHYLIDAE) ON CULTIVATED SUNFLOWER IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS

Cochylis hospes is a pest of cultivated Helianthus annuus in the N Great Plains. Adults were first detected between 7-11 July in each year between 1983-1986. Adult population peaks also showed little variation among years, appearing on 22-25 July each year. Oviposition on the heads (capitula) occurred when plants were in the early-bud stage through anthesis (R2-6). Sunflower plants were in the early bud stage (R2-3) when larvae were initially found between 14-23 July each year. Larvae were present in sunflower heads for 6-10wk and reached peak abundance in early to mid-August. After eclosion, larvae fed on the inner surface of the head bracts or florets. Older larvae (third and fifth instars) entered and fed on mature seeds after chewing a hole in the apical end of the hull (pericarp). After consuming the majority of the kernel, larvae moved to a new seed. Mature larvae dropped to the soil and constructed silken coccons to overwinter. Each larva consumed >6 mature sunflower seeds. -from Authors