Videos of corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) flight behavior around pheromone trap using infrared camera

Understanding the flight behavior of nocturnal insect pests is essential
for designing effective trapping systems and improving integrated pest
management (IPM). This study used infrared (IR) reflectance and IR camera
to analyze the flight behavior of corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) around
Scentry Heliothis pheromone trap, focusing on approach, escape, and
capture rates. Video analysis revealed low average catch rate of 25% for a
total of 48 approaches from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m., as many moths approached the
lure but escaped without being trapped. The study identified critical
behavioral patterns, such as upwind approach, downwind horizontal escape,
or vertical ascending leading to capture. These findings suggest that
positioning lure closer to the trap entrance could significantly improve
the effectiveness of Scentry Heliothis trap. Additionally, the study
highlights the importance of developing a comprehensive database of
nocturnal insect behavior around trapping systems. This knowledge can be
used to refine trap design for specific insect pest and to update catch
count thresholds to improve the effectiveness of insecticide spray
programs in precision agriculture. This work demonstrates the potential of
IR cameras as a simple, commercially available, and affordable tool for
studying nocturnal insect pest activity and flight behavior, with the
potential to enhance pest management strategies in agriculture.