Objects To explore the adaptability of Hyphantria cunea to different host young trees, scientifically protect trees and prevent and control Hyphantria cunea.

MethodsBased on eight species of trees widely distributed and planted in Northeast China (Ulmus pumila, Juglans mandshurica, Salix matsudana, Betula platyphylla, Fraxinus mandshurica, Larix olgensis, Albizia kalkora, Tilia amurensis), the growth, development and nutritional effects of H. cunea larvae fed on leaves of different host young trees were measured.

ResultsThe survival rate of H. cunea larvae fed on U. pumila and J. mandshurica was the highest, followed by F. mandshurica, S. matsudana and T. amurensis; Feeding on L. olgensis was lower than A. kalkora. The larvae of H. cunea feeding on U. pumila and J. mandshurica had the highest values of weight, body length and head shell width, followed by F. mandshurica and T. amurensis; The feeding rate of A. kalkora was lower than B. platyphylla. The pupation rate and eclosion rate of H. cunea larvae fed on J. mandshurica, U. pumila and F. mandshurica were higher, and the development period was shorter, than T. amurensis; Feeding L. olgensis and A. kalkora could not pupate, and feeding B. platyphylla, A. kalkora and L. olgensis could not eclosion and had a long development period. H. cunea larvae fed the most on U. pumila, J. mandshurica and F. mandshurica, followed by T. amurensis and S. matsudana; The food utilization rate and food conversion rate of larvae feeding on U. pumila and J. mandshurica were at a high level, followed by T. amurensis and F. mandshurica; The larvae fed the lowest amount of A. kalkora and B. platyphylla, and their food utilization rate and food conversion rate were at the lowest level; The results of larval food consumption rate were contrary to their food utilization rate and food conversion rate.

Conclusion U. pumila and J. mandshurica are more suitable for the growth and development of H. cunea larvae, followed by F. mandshurica and T. amurensis; However, L. olgensis and A. kalkora are not suitable for their growth; The results show that the H. cunea has different adaptability and nutritional utilization strategies to a variety of hosts.