The importance of Heliothis has grown with the advent of resistance in H.armigera to various pesticides.

Outbreaks of native budworm, Helicoverpa punctigera, often arise after egg laying by emigrant moths from distant populations.

The Australian cotton industry relies heavily on chemical pesticides for management of a diverse array of pest insects, weeds and diseases.

The potential for extensive adult movements is one of the key factors contributing to the success of Heliothis spp. as pests (Farrow & Daly 1987, Fitt 1989).

Information about the frequency and intensity of immigration and emigration movements is essential for forecasting Heliothis infestation levels in crops, and thus for developing more efficient strategies for managing