Oviposition by METAMASIUS HEMIPTERUS SERICEUS (COLEOPTERA: DRYOPHTHORIDAE: RHYNCHOPHORINAE)

Authors

  • Thomas Weissling
  • Robin Giblin-Davis
  • Barbara Center
  • Robert Heath
  • Jorge Pena

Abstract

Metamasius hemipterus sericeus (Olivier) is a widely distributed weevil in Central and South America, as well as the West Indies. It was introduced into Florida, Miami-Dade County, in 1984. This insect generally is regarded as a secondary pest of sugarcane, bananas, palms and several other tropical plants grown as ornamentals. Larvae bore into stems and petioles, thus weakening the plant and providing a pathway for penetration by fungi or other pests. In addition to investigating the biology, this study was conducted to gather basic information to help optimize culturing efforts for large numbers of M. h. sericeus to be used for mass rearing of potential biological control organisms. After pairing males and females, it took an average of 27.0 days for females to begin oviposition. The oviposition period lasted 56.8 days. Females lived 142.3 days and laid an average of 51.6 eggs. Mean generation time was 63 days. Mean egg production during the oviposition period was 1.1 eggs/day. Egg eclosion averaged 81.3% during the oviposition period.

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Published

2003-06-01

Issue

Vol. 86, No. 2 (June 2003)

Section

Literature Review Articles

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