International Journal of Agricultural

Science and Research (IJASR)

ISSN(P): 2250-0057; ISSN(E): 2321-0087
Vol. 4, Issue 6, Dec 2014, 43-52
TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.

EGG MASS ANALYSIS OF THE PINE PROCESSIONARY MOTH, THAUMETOPOEA

PITYOCAMPA SCHIFF (LEPIDOPTERA, THAUMETOPOEIDAE) IN ALEPPO PINE
FORESTS IN SEMI -ARID AREA (DJELFA - ALGERIA)
BOUCHOU LYNDA & GAHDAB CHAKALI
National High School of Agronomy, El Harrach, Algeria, Algeria

ABSTRACT
The biometrics and the counting of the egg mass of the pine processionary moth were led in Aleppo pine
plantations at Moudjebara and in the natural forest of Senalba during 2011 and 2012. The eggs mass lengths from the
Moudjebara plantation are more consequent compared to those collected in natural Senalba forest. A very highly difference
significant is confirmed between the lengths of the egg mass in the two prospected environments (p=0.0001).
The frequency analysis of the number of eggs highlighted 5 classes of laying females for the biological material collected
in the Senalba forest and 6 classes for the year 2012. The biological material resulting from the Moudjebara plantation
show 5 classes categories of egg mass for the two generations. The comparison of average highlighted a consequent
significance between the egg mass quantified with average values of 143 per clutch for the artificial site and of 130 per
clutch for the batches from the natural environment. At the second year (2012), comparable averages of 129 and 128eggs
per egg mass respectively for the plantation and the natural forest. In 2011, the number of hatched eggs in the Moudjebara
plantation is very high reaching a rate of 96%. The not hatched eggs do not exceed 3%. Total parasitism is 2%. The egg
mass majority is parasitized by the polyphagous species, Ooencyrtus pityocumpa. A light fall of the number of eggs was
noted in 2012. The number of not hatched eggs reached 13% and parasitism appreciably increased to 3%. In 2011, in the
natural Senalba forest the number of hatched eggs is not consequent contrary to the number of eggs spawned by the
females in the artificial environments. The number of parasitized eggs doubled between the years. During the second year
2012, the species Baryscapus servadeii is more dominant in the two prospected sites.

KEYWORDS: Processionary Moth, Egg Mass, Aleppo Pine, Djelfa, Algeria

INTRODUCTION
The moth processionary T.

Pityocampa, is the principal insect defoliator in the Mediterranean area

(ROBINET et al., 2011). Its distribution surface is synchronization with the evolution of the climate (ROUSSELET, 2011).
The processionary moth exists in all the pine plantations and the cedar plantations in Algeria (GACHI, 1996).
The caterpillars feed from the needles of the pines, involving a defoliation of the often total tree, involving a consequent
weakening of the settlements thus allowing the installation other pests. Its winter larval development makes it particularly
sensitive and dependent with the temperatures during this period on the year. The cycle of development of processionary
moth is variable according to the type of climate and altitude considered. It is carried out in two phases; aerial stage, which
characterizes the takes-off and the larval development and the underground phase which presents nymphal development.

www.tjprc.org

editor@tjprc.org

44

Bouchou Lynda & Gahdab Chakali

In Algeria, the programs of the monoculture plantation with the species Pinus halepensis, involved a proliferation
of the processionary moth, T. pityocampa putting in danger the young plantations in semi-arid areas.
Among the antagonists, the eggs parasitoids are the principal regulators of T. pityocampa populations. The eggs
parasitoids of the processionary moth are Hymenopterans pertaining to the chalcidiens. Both principal parasitoids active
are the specialist Eulophidae Baryscapus servadeii Domenichini) and the general practitioner Eucyrtidae Ooecyrtus
pityocampae Mercet.
Within the framework of the protection of the forests, various methods are led; particularly the chemical fight
(LEBLOND, 2009) which remains always debatable in spite of its effectiveness (PIMENTEL, 2004) and the
microbiological method, containing Bacillus thuriengiensis, which currently receives a refusal on behalf of the public.
The practice of the use of the eggs parasitoids proves of a great interest for the regulation of the populations in zones
sub-wet and semi-arid. Among the phases of the processionary moth, the data on the egg mass remain the factor
determining of the state of the infestation and of the evolution of the infestation in time, it is what encouraged us in the
choice this subject.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study Sites
After prospection in the semi-arid areas forests, two sites were selected; the first one is located in the natural
Senalba forest Chergui and the second in the Moudjbara plantation. The characteristics of the prospected stations are
gathered in table 1.
Table 1: Characteristics of the Study Sites
Areas
Naturel Forest of Senalba
Moudjebara Plantation

Bioclimatic
Stage
Semi-arid
fresh

Altitudes
(M)
1306
1055

Geographic Cordinate
Longitude
Latitude
3 07 03.67"E
34 38 16.72"N
328'53.41"E

3430'38.07"N

Adopted Method
Harvesting and Examination of the Biological Material
A total of 100 eggs mass were taken respectively in the two sites retained during two years considered according
to transects with a height accessible starting from the trees distributed on the unit from overall Moudjebara plantation and
the natural Senalba forest.
The collected samples are preserved individually in test tubes closed with cotton to ensure ventilation.
The biological material thus prepared and daily controlled at the laboratory under the conditions of temperature 26+1C
and a relative humidity 70+5%.
Emergences of the caterpillars and the parasitoids are noted in the time in order to draw from information on the
curves of emergences of the populations.
After the total hatching of the eggs we carry out the elimination of the protective scales in order to enter the
categories of eggs under a binocular loupe.

Impact Factor (JCC): 4.3594

Index Copernicus Value (ICV): 3.0

45

Egg Mass Analysis of the Pine Processionary Moth, Thaumetopoea Pityocampa Schiff
(Lepidoptera, Thaumetopoeidae) in Aleppo Pine Forests in Semi -Arid Area (Djelfa - Algeria)

The parasitoids of emerged eggs were transferred and separated in other test tubes for their longevity study with a
pure honey food.

METHODS OF ANALYSIS
The comparison analyses of the averages to one factor were carried out to test the difference between the females
fertility of the processionary moth for two generations. Frequency analyses are led so gathering the egg mass according to
their lengths and number of eggs. In the same way cross analyses were carried out to draw from information on the relation
between the eggs number and the sample length.

RESULTS
Descriptive Laying Analyzes
The measurements and enumerations eggs mass results are gathered in Table 2.
Table 2: Data Syntheses Relating to the Eggs Mass
Years
Number of eggs mass examined
Average lengths of eggs mass
(Extreme values)
Average number of eggs
(Extreme values)

2011
Moudjebara
Senalba
100
100
24.47+4.09
21.53+4.55
(15-35)
(13-35)
143+31.81
130+32.11
(88-240)
(60-204)

2012
Moudjebara
Senalba
100
100
23.92+5.34
21.88+5.30
(12-40)
(10-35)
129+31.65
128+33.74
(56-217)
(60-210)

The lengths of eggs mass harvested from Moudjebara plantation are more consequent compared to those collected
in natural Senalba. Forest in the similar site; the data collected are very comparable between the years, 2011 and 2012.
On the basis of counting and measurement carried out we proceeded to a comparison of the averages by variance
analysis (Figure 1and 2).

Figure 1: Comparison Average Lengths of the Eggs Mass

A very highly significant difference is noted between the eggs mass lengths coming from the two prospected
environment (p=0.0001).

www.tjprc.org

editor@tjprc.org

46

Bouchou Lynda & Gahdab Chakali

Figure 2: Comparison of the Averages Number of Eggs between the Artificial and Natural Environment
A highly significant difference is noted between the number of eggs coming from the plantation and the natural
forest environment (p=0.0036). In the artificial pine plantation site the fertility of the females is consequent.
Frequency Lengths Analysis of the Eggs Mass
The frequency analyses were carried out in order to gather the egg mass females categories in classes according to
the clutch length and the eggs number which they comprise.
The frequency egg mass analysis lengths highlighted 5 classes for the batches collected in the prospected sites.
The data collected highlight a difference very highly significant between the batches tested during the two study years
(p=0.0001). On a total of 100 eggs mass coming from the Moudjebara plantation, 50% have a length included/understood
from 22.4 to 27.6 mm during 2011 and 42% have a length ranging between 22.4 to 29.6 mm during 2012.
For the natural Senalba forest, on a total of 100 eggs mass, 36.36% of the total staff complements lengths of 15.6
to 21.2mm during 2011. The class 18.8 to 25.2 mm represents the most consequent rate, that is to say 60.22% during 2012
with a total staff complement of 100 eggs mass (Table 3).
Table 3: Lengths Classes Categories of the Eggs Mass

Impact Factor (JCC): 4.3594

Index Copernicus Value (ICV): 3.0

47

Egg Mass Analysis of the Pine Processionary Moth, Thaumetopoea Pityocampa Schiff
(Lepidoptera, Thaumetopoeidae) in Aleppo Pine Forests in Semi -Arid Area (Djelfa - Algeria)

Frequency Analysis of Counted Eggs

The biological material collected in 2011 at the natural Senalba forest of revealed 5 eggs mass categories in
relation to the number of eggs with a very highly significant (p=0.0001). In 2012, there 6 eggs mass classes with a
significant probability (p= 0.044).
The biological material resulting from the Moudjebara plantation highlights 5 categories classes of eggs mass in
relation to the number of eggs with a highly significant probability and this for the two generations (Table 4).
Table 4: Distribution of the Number of Eggs per Class

Planned Comparison
For more information, test LSD was carried out to compare between the populations considered in the prospected
biotopes. The results are gathered in Tables 5 and 6 highlight the possible significances.
Table 5: Matrix Significance for the Lengths of Eggs Mass

Stations
Senalba 2011 {1}
Senalba 2012 {2}
Moudjebara 2011 {3}
Moudjebara 2012 {4}

Test LSD ; Variable Lengths of Eggs

Mass (Mm)
Significant Differences Marked P <
,05000
{1}
{2}
{3}
{4}
21.53
21.88
24.47
24
p=0 .6315
p=0.0001
p=0.0001

p=0.0001
p=0.0001

p=0.2877

The eggs mass lengths comparison from the natural Senalba forest (1) in 2011 does not show a significant
difference with the lengths of the egg mass collected in the same site (2), in 2012. The averages comparison between the
two years does not show a difference significant in the Moudjebara plantation (3) and (4). The lengths of the egg mass
collected in the Moudjebara plantation in 2011 (3) show a very high significant difference with those of the natural Senalba
forest for the two generations (1) and (2).

www.tjprc.org

editor@tjprc.org

48

Bouchou Lynda & Gahdab Chakali

Table 6: Matrix Significance between the Numbers of Eggs

Stations
Senalba 2011 {1}
Senalba 2012 {2}
Moudjebara 2011 {3}
Moudjebara 2012 {4}

Test LSD ; Variable Number of

Eggs Per Egg Mass
Significant Differences Marked
A P < ,05000
{1}
{2}
{3}
{4}
130
128
143
129
0.6937
0.0050
0.8300

0.0018
0.8519

0.0025

The comparison of the eggs number from the natural Senalba forest (1) in 2011 does not show a significant
difference with the number of eggs by egg mass collected in 2012 (2), also not of significant difference in 2012 at the two
prospected sites (2) and (4). In 2011, the averages comparison of the eggs number in the two prospected sites shows a
highly significant difference (1) and (3). The eggs number by egg mass collected in the Moudjebara plantation shows a
high significant difference of the two generations (3) and (4).
Relation between the Eggs Mass Lengths and the Eggs Number
The reports/ratios of the analyses crossed between the lengths of the calculated egg mass and number are
illustrated in Figures 3 to 6.

Figure 3: Number Eggs Distribution According to the Eggs Mass

Lengths (Case of Moudjebara plantation, 2011)
By considering three categories of classs lengths of eggs mass in relation with number of eggs, it appears that
with the first category the median value is of 120 eggs for the class lengths of the egg mass from 15 to 21 mm.
The examination of the class ranging between 21.66 and 28.33 mm highlights a median value of 140 eggs. 50% of
effective extend between 125 and 175 eggs with a homogeneous variability of share of the extent. With the third category,
representative lengths higher than 28.33 mm a greater variability going from 145 to 230 eggs is noted with a median value
of 190 eggs, more extreme value of 240 eggs.

Impact Factor (JCC): 4.3594

Index Copernicus Value (ICV): 3.0

Egg Mass Analysis of the Pine Processionary Moth, Thaumetopoea Pityocampa Schiff
(Lepidoptera, Thaumetopoeidae) in Aleppo Pine Forests in Semi -Arid Area (Djelfa - Algeria)

49

Figure 4: Number Eggs Distribution of the According to the Eggs

Mass Lengths (Case of Moudjebara plantation 2012)

In 2012, there are 5 classs lengths categories of eggs mass in relation with eggs number. The first category the
median value is of 100 eggs for the length class of the egg mass from 12 mm. 50% of the effective of the class of 12 with
17.6mm account from 90 to 155 eggs with a variability of share of the extent. The class examination ranging between 17.6
and 23.2 mm highlights a median value of 120 eggs. The lengths ranging between 23.2 and 28.8 mm count of 110 eggs
with 150 eggs. The fourth category lengths found is between 28.8 and 34.4mm gathers 120 eggs with 170 eggs with a
median value of 145 eggs, the fifth category class lengths included/understood of 34.4 with 40mm account of 100 eggs
with 190eggs. In this case, the median distribution of the values and their extents are more heterogeneous than the
distribution of the previous year.

Figure 5: Number of Eggs Distribution According to the Eggs Mass Lengths

(Case of the natural Senalba forest, 2011)

www.tjprc.org

editor@tjprc.org

50

Bouchou Lynda & Gahdab Chakali

Figure 6: Number of Eggs Distribution According to the Eggs

Mass Lengths (Case of the natural Senalba forest, 2012)

The examination of the data over the lengths of the eggs mass in relation with number of eggs coming from the
natural Senalba environment shows a gradual diagram of the categories of egg mass for the two years considered with
median values comparable with the population of the year 2011 in Moudjebara plantation.
Enumeration of the Eggs Categories
For the 2011, the hatched eggs number is very high in the Moudjebara plantation site, reaching a rate of 96%.
The not hatched eggs do not exceed 3% and parasitism occupies 2%. A light fall of the number of hatched eggs was noted
in 2012. The number of not hatched eggs reached 13% and parasitism appreciably increased to 3%.
In the natural Senalba forest, the number of hatched eggs is weak in 2011; it increased in 2012 at 85%.
The number of not hatched eggs reached 38%. In 2012 the number of not hatched eggs decreased either 10%. Parasitism
doubled from one year to another (Table 7).
Table 7: Descriptive Categories Analysis of Examined Eggs
Stations
Moudjebara
2011
Moudjebara
2012
Senalba 2011

Senalba 2012

Eggs hatched
Unhatched eggs
Eggs parasitized
Eggs hatched
Unhatched eggs
Eggs parasitized
Eggs hatched
Unhatched eggs
Eggs parasitized
Eggs hatched
Unhatched eggs
Eggs parasitized

Effective
Total
13742
365
220
10970
1634
333
7742
4894
269
9640
1112
555

Average
137.42
3.65
2.2
109.70
16.34
3.33
78.20
49.43
2.71
109.54
12.63
6.30

Standard
Deviation
35.18
9.66
2.87
38.99
36.47
4.12
63.23
63.92
3.27
37.85
25.68
5.86

%
96
3
2
85
13
3
56
38
2
85
10
5

Extremes
Values
32-233
0-65
0-14
0-187
0-170
0-22
0-195
0-201
0-15
2-202
0-155
0-24

Parasitoids of the Processionary Moth

Two parasites oophages pertaining to Chalcidiens Hymenopterans emerged starting from the egg mass collected

Impact Factor (JCC): 4.3594

Index Copernicus Value (ICV): 3.0

51

Egg Mass Analysis of the Pine Processionary Moth, Thaumetopoea Pityocampa Schiff
(Lepidoptera, Thaumetopoeidae) in Aleppo Pine Forests in Semi -Arid Area (Djelfa - Algeria)

in the two prospected sites; Baryscapus servadeii and Ooencyrtus pityocampae. The data collected on the antagonists in the
two prospected mediums are gathered in Table 8.
Table 8: Impact of the Parasitoids

Years
Effective from eggs mass
Rate from B. servadeii
(%)
Rate from O. pityocampae (%)

Moudjebara
Plantation
2011
2012
100
100
0.27
2.24
1.25
033

Naturel
Senalba Forest
2011
2012
100
100
1.36
4.02
0.72
0.88

The rate of parasitisms noted in the prospected environment remains very weak during the two years of study not
exceeding 4%.

DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

The egg mass lengths collected in Moudjebara plantation are more consequent compared to those collected in
natural Senalba forest. A reduction in egg mass lengths and fertility of the females are noted in the natural Senalba forest.
The environmental conditions influenced the populations fertility. In artificial plantation the females feed and behave
better in the young plantations. On this subject on a transect altitudinal of black pine, IMBERT (2012) obtained on
sampled egg mass average lengths of more significant and variable egg mass from 24.27 to 34.55 mm. In the same way the
above mentioned author, notes that in the valley of the Durance the egg mass collected on the Aleppo pine and the
woodland pine have respective average lengths of 23.7 and 26.4 mm. On the basis of these result, it arises that the structure
of the plant host and its composition can influence the fruitfulness of the females in their environment. A regional effect of
station is noted for the populations of the processionary moth in their biotope.
The rate of hatching of the caterpillars in the Moudjebara plantation remains more consequent and significant
compared to the population in natural environment. The rate of hatching is mainly affected by a natural mortality in an egg
state under the climatic variations, particularly the temperature factor. As a strong population in phase of infestation,
the possibility of meeting of the partners limits and can generated sterile egg mass. DEMOLIN and MILLET (1981) noted
the late flight does not give a descent what can explain the batches of not hatched eggs.
The parasitoids constitute the most important biological factor which can assign success to the hatching
(DEBACH and ROSEN, 1991; WAJNBERG and HASSAN, 1994).
Both identified parasitoids, B. servadeii and O. pityocampae emerged starting from the egg mass collected in the
two sites, reforest and natural with fluctuating rates according to the year and the station. These parasitoids active is
practically distributes on all the egg mass, but with a limited percentage, not exceeding 4%.
The species B. servadeii is regarded as specific and active host of T. pityocampa (GACHI and al 1986). O.
pityocampae is characterized by a polyphagia of species of Lepidopteran (BERTELLA, 1987).
Among the regulating factors of the pests forests parasitism is the most favorable element to limit the populations
of the processionary moth in its biotope. If the concepts of multiplication are reasoned and respected. An investigation over
several years makes it possible to in general draw more information on the evolution of the eggs parasitoids. The study of
the migration of the parasitoids in general of the natural environment about the reforest environment remains complex and
to elucidate more.
www.tjprc.org

editor@tjprc.org

52

Bouchou Lynda & Gahdab Chakali

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My grateful is dedicated to Professor CHAKALI Gahdab, Dpartement de Zoologie Agricole et Forestire, cole
Nationale Suprieure. El-Harrach, ALGERIA. Our gratitude to all the forest officials who facilitated our field work.

REFERENCES
1. Bertella N. (1987). Biocologie de Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff. (Lepidoptera, Thaumetopoeidae) dans
quelques rgions dAlgrie. Thse magister Sci. Agr. Institut National Agronomique El-Harrach-Algrie, 110.
2. Debach, p. et Rosen, D. (1991). Biological control by natural enemies- Cambridge University press, Cambridge.
3. Demolin G., Millet A. (1981) Essais insecticides contre la processionnaire du pin (Thaumetopoea pityocampa
Schiff.). Action comparative de diffrentes spcialits commerciales de Bactospeine, Dipel, Thuricideet Dimilin.
Ann. Sci. Forest [en-ligne] 38(3), 389-404. [http://www.afs-journal.org/] (Consult le 09 Mars 2011).
4. Gachi M., et al (1986). Sur la prsence en Algrie de la processionnaire du cdre T. bonjeani Powell {Lepidoptera
thaumetopoeida). Ann. Rech. Forest. Algrie I, 53-63.
5. Gachi M., (1996). La chenille processionnaire du pin Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff. Confrence Journe
dtude en protection des forts C.F.A.T.S.- Jijel. 17 pp.
6. Imbert C.E., (2012). Expansion dun ravageur forestier sous leffet du rchauffement climatique :
la processionnaire du pin affecte-t-elle la biodiversit entomologique dans les zones nouvellement colonises ?
Thse. Doc. Universit DOrlans. INRA Orlans. 197p.
7. Leblond A. (2009). Inventaire et valuation des mthodes de lutte contre la processionnaire du pin. Mmoire
Master Professionnel, Environnement-Droit. Rennes. [en-ligne] 74p. [http://www.prodinra.inra.fr] (Consult le 10
Janvier 2010)
8. Robinet, C, et al (2011). Human-mediated long-distance jumps of the pine processionary moth in Europe.
Biological Invasions. pp: 1-13.
9. Rousselet J, (2011). La chenille processionnaire du pin, Thaumetopoea pityocampa ravageur forestier la
nuisance urbaine. Centre de recherche dOrlans. INRA, 2p.
10. Wajnberg, E. et Hassan, S. A. (1994). Biological control with egg parasitoids- CAB International, Wallingford.

Impact Factor (JCC): 4.3594

Index Copernicus Value (ICV): 3.0