Ovipositional behaviour and larval performance ofTrichoferus campestris(Faldermann) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) on cut branches of four North American tree species

Abstract

AbstractVelvet longhorned beetleTrichoferus campestris(Faldermann) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is native to Asia. It is reported to be polyphagous in its native range, but hosts have not been screened in its introduced range in the United States.We conducted choice and no‐choice host experiments. For choice assays, gravidT. campestrisoviposited freely on cut branches of four tree species:Juglans nigra,Malus domestica,Acer saccharum, andPinus strobus. We investigated oviposition between apple branches with and without cankers. Half of the choice trials underwent winter temperatures.For no‐choice assays, eggs were placed on cut branches of these same four species. Half of these branches were later dissected to measure larval development. The rest were exposed to winter temperatures andT. campestrisemergence was quantified.Overall,Trichoferus campestrisoviposition and development occur more readily onJ. nigraandM. domesticathan onA. saccharumorP. strobus. The insect oviposited more on cankered than uncankered apple wood. Cold exposure during an overwintering period benefitted insect development in adults.The insect's high degree of polyphagy and ability to reproduce in dry wood has likely facilitated its establishment in multiple locales around the world.