Entomological Society of Canada Student Member Information Form

Name: Lauren Pinault



University: University of New Brunswick

Address: Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, P.O. Box 44555, 28 Dineen Drive, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 6C2

E-mail Address: Lauren.pinault@gmail.com

Advisor(s): Dr. Dan Quiring, Dr. Graham Thurston

Thesis Title: Population ecology and management of the pale-winged grey moth, Iridopsis ephyraria (Lepidoptera:Geometridae) on eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis

Research Summary:
The pale-winged grey moth, Iridopsis ephyraria, is an indigenous and previously somewhat innocuous species across eastern North America. This moth has recently caused the serious defoliation of eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis, in Kejimkujik National Park and surrounding areas in southern Nova Scotia. In both field and lab rearing, we are studying a variety of ecological interactions and basic biology of this species in order to devise potential management practices for this outbreak. As part of the research, we are establishing inexpensive sampling methods for eggs and larvae, describing feeding preferences and defoliation patterns within this interaction, characterizing this species’ life history, determining natural causes of population decline, describing the periodicity of adult behaviour, and evaluating a variety of possible suppression techniques.

Keywords: Lepidoptera, hemlock, pest management, foraging behaviour, population ecology

Degree Sought: MSc (Forestry)

Expected Year of Completion: 2007

Personal Homepage: http://www.unbf.ca/forestry/index.html