Non-randomness of fluctuations in the european corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (HBN.) (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) long-term population dynamics in Krasnodar territory
The paper presents results of the analyses of long-term (1994-2017) data characterizing population dynamics of the local bivoltine European corn borer population developing on maize in eastern part of Krasnodar Territory. Eﬀects of the accounting factors on population dynamics, viz. the season, the generation within a season, and the record period (eggs, eclosed and 3rd-5th instar larvae, pupae, adults, and egg-laying females) within a generation are proved on a high statistically signiﬁcant level. The time analysis of normalized deviations from means of logarithm densities of 3rd-5th instar larvae by means of wavelets revealed signiﬁcant periodic behaviour of ﬂuctuations in the insect number. Thus, our data radically diﬀer from classical statements on sporadic character of Ostrinia nubilalis population dynamics. Considering that the European corn borer develops on maize in Krasnodar Territory during no less than 100 years, the emerged mechanisms of biocenotic control apparently have made signiﬁcant changes in population dynamics of the pest.