Daily activity and flight behaviour of adults of Capnodis tenebrionis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Carmelo Peter Bonsignore,Charlie Bellamy

doi:10.14411/eje.2007.062

Abstract

Ecological studies on the buprestid beetle Capnodis tenebrionis (Linnaeus, 1767) were carried out in the laboratory and the field. In particular, attention focussed on the effects of seven different temperatures at different times during the day on the movement and feeding activity of this beetle. Field experiments in an apricot orchard recorded the flight activity of C. tenebrionis, with particular reference to the effect of temperature and wind. The experiments highlighted the marked response of movement, feeding and flight activity to increase in temperature. The optimal temperature for feeding, movement and flight was 30°C and above with negative effects occurring at 45°C. Flight generally occurred in the middle of the day. Wind had a negative effect on flight activity. Wind speeds in excess of 4 m/s prevented the insect from taking off. The spread of this phytophagous beetle from one orchard to another is unquestionably influenced by the daily activity and flight behaviour of the adult.

Highlights

Capnodis tenebrionis (Linnaeus, 1767) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is highly destructive in orchards of drupaceous fruit trees, in particular species of plums (Garrido, 1984; Martin et al, 1998; Ben Yehuda et al, 2000)
From the experimental results it is evident that C. tenebrionis is most active at high temperatures, which possibly accounts for its circum-Mediterranean distribution
As noted by Al Mallah (2003), both in the field and laboratory, Capnodis cariosa feeds most actively at higher temperatures

Summary

Introduction

Capnodis tenebrionis (Linnaeus, 1767) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is highly destructive in orchards of drupaceous fruit trees, in particular species of plums (Garrido, 1984; Martin et al, 1998; Ben Yehuda et al, 2000). The treatment of the ground in young plantations and nurseries with systemic insecticides is successful in protecting saplings against root infestations and rendering the foliage toxic to adult beetles (Ben Yehuda et al, 2000). There are few methods of monitoring Buprestidae (Dunn et al, 1986) as traps provide erratic and variable information on the flight periodicity and the species present, and are of little help in controlling the beetles (Atkinson et al, 1988; Markalas & Kalapanida, 1997; Fassotte, 1999; Morewood et al, 2002; Groot & Nott, 2003; Oliver et al, 2003; Miller, 2006)

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Conclusion