Ömer Besçeli: an unnoticed researcher in the history of pine processionary moth pupation research

Pine processionary moths, Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni Tams, 1924 and Thaumetopoea pityocampa ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) are among the most destructive pine pests in Mediterranean basin. Their larvae descend to the ground from the canopy in spring for pupation and rest there until late summer. Although this is the general pattern, pupal period is a plastic feature and can be prolonged for up to several years. It is considered one of several difficulties of processionary moth management as such a plasticity provides a continuous support from the underground reservoir to the pest population. This phenomenon has been known for a long time and its discovery has been attributed to Guy Démolin; renowned INRA (France) researcher. Here, we report an unnoticed researcher, Ömer Besçeli, from Turkey who published the phenomenon of prolonged diapause in the pine processionary moth earlier.