Survey on the Asian form of Lymantria dispar in the USA
In order to differentiate the Asian form of Lymantria dispar from the common form, two genetic markers have been used: a nuclear marker FS1, probably located on an autosomal chromosome (two alleles have been identified: North American and Asian); mitochondrial DNA (three mitochondrial haplotypes have also been found: North American, Siberian, Russian). However, neither of these genetic markers is strictly limited to only one population and their presence makes no implication about the Asian behaviour (females which fly more freely and wider host range). The presence of "Asian genes" represents only the 'potential' of flight behavior and/or a broader host range capability.
Analysis have been carried out by the AHIS Otis Methods Center in Massachusetts (US) on gypsy moth specimens collected in US Ports for the presence of the Asian genotype. Up till now 2760 port specimens from 27 States have been analysed by using the two genetic markers. As a result, the "Asian" genotype has been found in 15 States: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachussets, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia
Sources
Anonymous (1995) Asian gypsy moth genotype survey.
NAPPO Newsletter 15 (1), p 9.