Some Effects of Food and Substrate on Oviposition of the Spotted Cucumber Beetle1

Abstract

Effects of food and substrate on oviposition of the spotted cucumber beetle, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, in laboratory culture were studied. Oviposition in soil placed under various foods was used as a measure of adult feeding preference. Several fresh and processed foods elicited an oviposition response. In replicated tests foods in decreasing order of attractiveness were yellow squash slices, snap bean slices, cucumber slices, broad bean leaves, sweet potato slices, and carrot slices. Various natural and artificial substrates were tested for oviposition preference. Coarse soil particles and soil with cracks were preferred to fine, smooth soil. Artificial substrates in decreasing order of attractiveness were: crushed gray stone (10-20 mesh), crushed gray stone (ungraded), vermiculite (10-20 mesh), yellow sand (10-30 mesh), soil (10-20 mesh), Perlite® (ungraded), vermiculite (ungraded), and Permit (10-20 mesh). Effects of moisture level on a Tift fine sandy loam and a Magnolia clay loam soil were tested. Beetles preferred wet soil of both types for oviposition.