The pine candle moth, Exoteleia nepheos Freeman, poses a serious threat to plantation and ornamental pines. It mines in Scotch pine needles during the early stages of larval development and enters the bud during the first flush of spring growth; thereby destroying the trees’ aesthetic appearance and value as a Christmas tree. Heavily attacked trees are severely stunted and eventually die. Adults are active from mid-June to mid-August, ovipositing in needle sheaths or along twigs. Eggs hatch in about 10 days with larvae overwintering in the needles where high winter mortality may occur. Parasitism by Copidosoma deceptor Miller (Encyrtidae) is an important biological factor in controlling E. nepheos. Approximately 37.63% of the population in one Michigan stand was parasitized and about 80% of this was by C. deceptor. Peak emergence of the pine candle moth will occur 1060 ± 32 degree days above 52°F threshold temperature.

Continuous colonies of Chironomus riparius Meigen can be conveniently maintained in the laboratory and the swarming and mating behaviour is readily observable. Swarming is eocrepuscular and is mediated, at least in part, by light intensity and the marker stimulus. The effects of sound and volatile chemicals on the initiation and maintenance of swarming are not clearly apparent, but there is some evidence to suggest that pheromones may play a role in swarm cohesion.

Apterous Viviparous Female. Colour when alive: antenna pale on basal half; head and thorax brownish; mesothorax to abdominal segment VIII shining black; legs pale. Colour when macerated: antennal segments I and II pale brown, segments III, IV colourless with pale brown apical annuli, segments V, VI brown; head and prothorax pale brown, nearly colourless; mesothorax to abdominal segment VIII dark brown; cornicles dark brown; femora and tibiae pale brown, nearly colourless; tarsi pale brown, slightly darker than tibiae; cauda faintly fuscous.