Olfactory Detection of Gypsy Moth Pheromone and Egg Masses1by Domestic Canines2

Abstract

Three ♂ German shepherds were trained to located disparlure treated objects and egg masses of gypsy moth, Porthetria dispar (L.). Field detection of egg masses on stones, wood and bark were made by utilizing the dogs in different searching patterns. Egg mass detection up to 2 m away by domestic canines was achieved which suggests that this technique might be used for quarantine inspection of vehicles or to detect suspect infestations of P. dispar . There was a direct correlation between actual egg mass density in 0.01 ha plots and the number of masses found by the dog in 10 min directed searches. These results indicate that canines can be employed to estimate egg mass density by relating the number found in a prescribed search period to actual field density. This study is the 1st recorded use of dogs for detectmg an insect.