Establishment and Rearing of Anarsia lineatella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) on a Meridic Diet

Abstract

An improved method for rearing peach twig borer, Anarsia lineatella Zeller, on a lima bean-based diet is described. Two lines of A. lineatella were established successfully using this method. Both lines were comparable with field-collected insects in developmental rate, adult longevity, and pupal weights. Fecundity of one of the lines exceeded published values for wild females after five generations on artificial diet, but fecundity of the other line was considerably reduced, probably as a result of inbreeding depression. Direct observations indicated that moisture on the diet surface was an important factor in the establishment of neonates, with 90% survival achieved under optimum conditions. Crowding was also a mortality factor. At 27 ± 2oC, development from neonate to adult required ≈27.5 d. Virgin adult activity patterns were bimodal, with both sexes being active after onset of scotophase, and with males seeking mates and mating during the last 2 h of the scotophase. Using this method we were able to rear A. lineatella with greater success and with less effort than had been reported previously.