A detailed mathematical model of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) in maize, Zea mays L., was created for use in ecological studies. Validation results indicated that the model predicts long-term population dynamics and within-season survival relatively well. For other processes, validation results were mixed, with the best fits occurring when diapause induction was modeled accurately. The results demonstrated the importance of natural enemies, temperature, and photoperiod (latitude) to population dynamics. This simulation model is an adequate first step in the creation of a comprehensive explanatory model that can be used to guide experimentation and explore ecological principles.
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David W. Onstad (1988) studied this question.