Factors Influencing Oviposition, and the Effect of Temperature on Development and Survival of Enoclerus lecontei (Wolcott) Eggs

Abstract

AbstractThe factors influencing oviposition and feeding of Enoclerus lecontei, and the effect of temperature on egg development and survival, were studied in the laboratory.When food was not a limiting factor, the total number of eggs laid, and the total number of bark beetles consumed by clerid pairs during their lives was strongly influenced by longevity of the female and to a lesser extent by female “vigor”. Female “vigor” and longevity were not necessarily coincident. The rate of oviposition and the rate of food consumption are mainly influenced by the “vigor” of the female clerid.The effect of suboptimal food on oviposition was determined. Regression equations are given for estimating the number of eggs laid utilizing three measures of food supply, number of bark beetles supplied, their weight, and number eaten. The independent variables may be used separately or combined as a multiple regression.Time for egg development varied from 5 days at 35 °C. to 28 days at 15 °C. Optimal conditions for development and survival were between 20° and 25 °C. Eggs can withstand cold storage (7° to 9 °C.) for 10 days before survival is impaired. Thereafter, mortality increases logarithmically until the 100 percentile is reached at about 43 days.