Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Oviposition by Plum Curculios, Conotrachelus Nenuphar

Authors

  • C. O. Calkins
  • M. D. Huettel
  • M. McKoy

Abstract

The spatial and temporal patterns of oviposition of the plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), were established near Gainesville, Florida, by placing suitable host fruit at 3 and 6 ft above the ground in wild plum and oak thickets. Females consistently oviposited more in fruit at the higher level, and they readily located fruit placed in non-host trees. Oviposition occurred from 11 March to 7 October and peaked in early June. Although the plum curculio is considered a multivoltine species in the southeastern U. S., the short period when wild host fruit is available and the relatively long time it takes these insects to complete a generation means that only one major generation is produced each year in north central Florida.

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Published

1976-06-01

Issue

Section

Literature Review Articles