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.

Methods
Setup with IR Camera and IR Light

The infrared camera, Phasm Cam, was purchased from GhostStop. The video resolution was set to 1080p HD (1920x1080 at 60 fps). Additional accessories included an infrared light (Orbo LN-5 or Andoer Mini IR Light) emitting at 850 nm, an external portable charger (50000 mAh), a 512GB Lexar E-Series Micro SD card, and a NEEWER T91 mini tripod, all purchased on Amazon. A hole has been drilled in the protective case to connect the Phasm Cam to the external battery overnight via the power cable. The IR light is also connected to the same external battery overnight. The connections are protected by electrical bandage in case of rain. The entire setup was acquired for under $300 (Figure 1A).

Monitoring H. zea Flight Behavior and Activity

Two Scentry Heliopsis traps were set on the west side of a cornfield at Kime Farms near Geneva, NY (42.844275, -76.910826) on 19 September 2024. Each trap was equipped with either Hercon or Trece lure, both containing a blend of 97% (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16Ald) and 3% (Z)-9-hexadecenal (Z9-16Ald). These lure are comparable in terms of efficacy of trapping corn earworm (unpublished results).

Data Analyzing

The .mov videos were analyzed using QuickTime Player software, with high-speed playback used to rapidly identify corn earworm approach events. This process allowed for the quantification of approaches that resulted in trapping versus non-trapping outcomes and the determination of the time of the approach.