Oviposition Site Preference Research Articles

Oviposition by a lycaenid butterfly onto old host parts is adaptive to avoid interference by conspecific larvae.

Oviposition site selection by herbivores can depend not only on the quality of host resources, but also on the risk of predation, parasitism and interference. Females of the lycaenid butterfly Arhopala bazalus (Lepidoptera) lay eggs primarily on old host foliage away from fresh growth, where larval offspring live and feed. Resource availability of young host leaves seems not to affect the oviposition site preference by the females. To clarify the adaptive significance of A. bazalus oviposition behavior on old foliage, we tested three hypotheses: eggs on fresh foliage are (1) easily dropped during rapid leaf expansion (bottom-up hypothesis), (2) more likely to be attacked by egg parasitoids (top-down hypothesis), and (3) frequently displaced or injured by other herbivores (interference hypothesis). In field surveys, rates of egg dropping and parasitism by egg parasitoids were not significantly different between fresh and old host parts. However, the portions of fresh leaves on which A. bazalus eggs had been laid were cut from shoots on which conspecific larvae fed. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that eggs on young leaves were displaced in the presence of conspecific larvae and we observed that fifth instar larvae actively displaced conspecific eggs by feeding on the surrounding leaf tissue. These findings indicate that eggs laid on fresh leaves are at risk of being displaced by conspecific larvae, and support the interference hypothesis. Larval behavior is a likely evolutionary force for A. bazalus to lay eggs apart from larval feeding sites on the host plant.

Conservation of a strongly declining butterfly species depends on traditionally managed grasslands

Introduction:Due to land-use intensification at productive soils and abandonment of marginal farmland, biodiversity has dramatically declined throughout Europe. The dryad (Minois dryas) is a grassland butterfly that has strongly suffered from land-use change across Central Europe.Aims/Methods:Here, we analysed the habitat preferences of adult M. dryas and the oviposition-site preferences in common pastures located in mire ecosystems of the German pre-Alps.Results:Our study revealed that plot occupancy was equal at common pastures and control plots. However, the abundance of M. dryas was higher at common pastures, although the composition of vegetation types did not differ between the two plot types.Discussion:Open fens and transition mires traditionally managed as common pastures or litter meadows (= meadows mown in autumn to obtain bedding for livestock) were the main habitats of M. dryas in our study area. They offered (i) sufficient host plants (Carex spp.), (ii) had a high availability of nectar resources and (iii) a vegetation that was neither too sparse nor too short. In contrast, both abandonment and intensive land use had negative impacts on the occurrence of the endangered butterfly species.Implications for Insect ConservationBased on our study and other recent research from the common pastures, we recommend to maintain the current grazing regime to foster biodiversity in general and M. dryas in particular. Additionally, where possible, abandoned fens and transition mires adjacent to common pastures should be integrated into the low-intensity pasture systems. The preservation of traditionally managed litter meadows is the second important possibility to conserve M. dryas populations.

Citrus Mealybug Performance and Plant Strata Preference on Different Coffee Varieties.

The optimal defense theory stipulates that a plant prioritizes the defense of young tissue against herbivory, which may affect the spatial distribution of the attacking insect and its impact on plant performance. In this study, we evaluated the feeding and oviposition site preferences of the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso, 1813) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), when comparing different parts of the canopy of two coffee varieties as well as its fertility and life history parameters. We evaluated the feeding preference, oviposition site choice, and the distribution of different development stages of P. citri on different strata (apical, median, base, and trunk regions) of two coffee varieties, Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora, as well as the associated variations in life history parameters and fertility. The citrus mealybug preferred to feed and oviposit on young leaves despite the presence of high levels of defense compounds. On average, more than 38% of P. citri preferred the apical leaves of cv. Coffea arabica compared to the other parts of the plant. However, in cv. C. canephora, the proportion that preferred the apical leaves was greater than 55%. The net reproduction rate (R0) and the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of P. citri reared on C. canephora were significantly higher than those seen on C. arabica. The generation time (T) of P. citri reared on C. arabica was significantly longer than that observed on C. canephora. The estimated population growth rate of mealybugs on C. canephora varieties over 15 generations was more than twice that of the population on C. arabica. The dispersion ability and choice of the most nutritious plant strata by nymphs and adults on coffee plants are fundamental to the fitness of these mealybugs. Mealybugs showed a distinct preference for C. canephora.

Drosophila suzukiiavoidance of microbes in oviposition choice

While the majority of Drosophila species lays eggs onto fermented fruits, females of Drosophila suzukii pierce the skin and lay eggs into ripening fruits using their serrated ovipositors. The changes of oviposition site preference must have accompanied this niche exploitation. In this study, we established an oviposition assay to investigate the effects of commensal microbes deposited by conspecific and heterospecific individuals and showed that the presence of microbes on the oviposition substrate enhances egg laying of Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila biarmipes, but discourages that of D. suzukii. This result suggests that a drastic change has taken place in the lineage leading to D. suzukii in how females respond to chemical cues produced by microbes. We also found that hardness of the substrate, resembling that of either ripening or damaged and fermenting fruits, affects the response to microbial growth, indicating that mechanosensory stimuli interact with chemosensory-guided decisions to select or avoid oviposition sites.

Screening for Sarawak Paddy Landraces with Resistance to Yellow Rice Stem Borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

The yellow rice stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) is a prevalent pest in paddy fields worldwide. In Sarawak, a survey on pest of paddy carried out from 2009 to 2011 covering 166 paddy fields revealed that rice stem borers caused 11.4% of total paddy damage. In order to reduce the damage, identifying resistance paddy variety is crucial. The objective of this study was to screen Sarawak paddy landraces with resistance to S. incertulas. Twelve Sarawak paddy landraces were selected randomly for this study. Antixenosis resistance screening was performed in aquariums (60 x 28 x 33 cm). Three replications of one-month-old seedlings were randomly arranged in aquarium and exposed to adult S. incertulas. The number and position of egg mass on each plant were recorded. Egg mass abnormalities were also observed. For antibiosis, rice culms of two-month old seedlings from each landrace were infested with larvae. The length of surviving larvae from five rice culms was measured. The experiment revealed variations in landrace of preference for ovipositing. Among the twelve Sarawak paddy landraces, Kanowit was more preferred by S. incertulas for ovipositing in comparison to other paddy landraces suggesting susceptibility towards the pest. Abaxial leaf surface was the preferred oviposition site. There was no clear antibiosis response of the paddy landraces towards S. incertulas larvae in this study.

Distribution and preference for oviposition sites of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in the metropolitan area of Belém, in the Brazilian Amazon.

The mosquito Aedes albopictus is a vector of several arboviruses transmitted to humans. They have a sylvatic behavior, occurring in rural areas. However, reports of their adaptation to anthropic environments have been increasing. The aim of this study is to investigate the presence and distribution of Ae. albopictus in the Metropolitan Region of Belém in the Brazilian Amazon and evaluate its preference for either natural or artificial breeding sites under the weather conditions of the Amazon. Ovitraps (artificial breeding sites) and bamboo internodes (natural breeding sites) were deployed in neighborhood peridomiciles during the dry and rainy seasons. The results showed that the presence of Ae. albopictus was recorded in 71.4% of the neighborhoods during the dry season and in 69.2% neighborhoods during the rainy season, thus indicating a wide distribution in the region. A significant increase in the frequency of the capture of mosquitoes in areas with higher vegetation cover was observed during the dry season (R2 = 0.2995; p=0.018) but not during the rainy season (R2 = 0.044; p=0.43). Comparing the weekly frequency of Ae. albopictus on positive bamboos and OVT, no significant difference was observed between them (t= 0.559; df= 23; p=0.58). A significant increase in the number of positive breeding sites was observed with increased rainfall for both bamboo (R2 = 0.33; p= 0.002) and OVT (R2 = 0.24; p= 0.013). This is the first report of Ae. albopictus in the metropolitan area of Belém. The findings suggest a wide distribution in the studied area, preferably in areas with more extensive vegetation cover. Additionally, the mosquito population showed the ability to use both natural and artificial habitats.

Diversified floral provisioning enhances performance of the generalist predator, Orius insidiosus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)

Providing nectar and pollen through the establishment of insectary plants is one approach to conserving natural enemies and enhancing biological control of arthropod pests. Recent studies show that natural enemy performance may be influenced by the diversity of insectary plant species and the resources they provide. We conducted laboratory assays to investigate the influence of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) alone and in a mixture on the performance of the insidious flower bug, Orius insidiosus (Say, 1832). We measured performance as longevity, fecundity and predation of O. insidiosus reared on a laboratory diet of Ephestia kuehniella or its field prey, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner). O. insidiosus survived on average 20–25% longer and oviposited 67–88% more eggs when provided with either insectary species compared to a water only control. However, when provided with a biculture of cowpea and buckwheat, O. insidiosus survived 35% longer and laid 111% more eggs compared to the water only control, with a strong preference for cowpea as an oviposition host. This study provides novel empirical evidence that cowpea, a plant anecdotally cited for its insectary properties, functions as a preferred oviposition sites compared to buckwheat and laboratory standard green beans. The presence of insectary resources, however, did not significantly influence predation on O. nubilalis sentinel prey by O. insidiosus as we anticipated. These results indicate that the performance of beneficial insects like O. insidious may be differentially influenced by the resources provided by insectary species and should be screened for potential benefits before establishing in field settings. Further implications of plant diversification for conservation biological control are discussed.

Host range expansion of a Polygonaceae-associated leaf beetle to an invasive aquatic plant Myriophyllum aquaticum (Haloragaceae)

The expansion of available resources leads organisms to adapt to novel niches and create new biological interactions. Galerucella grisescens (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is usually associated with Polygonaceae in Japan but a population feeding on an invasive plant species Myriophyllum aquaticum (Haloragaceae) was found in Chiba Prefecture, Honshu. To infer the process of host range expansion and possible rapid adaptations of G. grisescens to M. aquaticum, we studied larval host plant suitability and female oviposition site preference by G. grisescens in different strains. In laboratory rearing experiments, adult body weight and egg mass size of G. grisescens were smaller on M. aquaticum than on the native host Persicaria lapathifolia (Polygonaceae), suggesting that Polygonaceae are more suitable hosts for G. grisescens than M. aquaticum. On M. aquaticum, the larval survival rate was significantly higher in the Chiba strain collected from M. aquaticum than in the Saga strain originating from Polygonaceae. This raises the possibility that the Chiba strain rapidly adapted to M. aquaticum and improved survival rate on the plant. Oviposition site preference of G. grisescens females was slightly different between individuals reared on Polygonaceae and M. aquaticum. These results suggest that G. grisescens represents early stages of ecological adaptation to the introduced plant and it is a possible biological control agent against M. aquaticum.

Male harassment leads to fitness costs for females by disrupting oviposition site preferences

Abstract In many species, a difference in the optimal number of copulations for males and females leads to sexual conflict. This is well documented in the bean beetle Callosobruchus maculatus, where both sexes mate multiply and females incur fitness costs from injuries caused by the male genitalia. Here, we demonstrate that sexual conflict also decreases female fitness due to male harassment. We hypothesized that harassment costs would come as 1) decreased clutch size, egg size, or both and by 2) disruption of female preference for higher-quality oviposition substrate. Mated females were housed with two bean types—cowpeas, their preferred natal hosts, and toxic pinto beans. They were then submitted to either no, moderate, or high male harassment in the oviposition site. Females under harassment produced smaller clutch sizes but not smaller eggs, resulting in the absence of an egg-size/clutch-size trade-off. Additionally, females did not exhibit a preference for their natal cowpeas hosts over toxic pinto beans when males were present at the oviposition site, although they do so when harassing males are not present. Harassment disrupted female responses to variation in oviposition substrate quality, resulting in considerable fitness consequences in the form of lower offspring production and survival.

Avoidance and aggregation create consistent egg distribution patterns of congeneric caddisflies across spatially variable oviposition landscapes.

Amongst oviparous animals, the spatial distribution of individuals is often set initially by where females lay eggs, with potential implications for populations and species coexistence. Do the spatial arrangements of oviposition sites or female behaviours determine spatial patterns of eggs? The consequences of spatial patterns may be context independent if strong behaviours drive patterns; context dependent if the local environment dominates. We tested these ideas using a guild of stream-dwelling caddisflies that oviposit on emergent rocks, focussing on genera with contrasting behaviours. In naturally occurring oviposition landscapes (riffles with emergent rocks), we surveyed the spatial arrangement and environmental characteristics of all emergent rocks, identified and enumerated egg masses on each. Multiple riffles were surveyed to test for spatially invariant patterns and behaviours. In landscapes, we tested for spatial clumping of oviposition sites exploited by each species and for segregation of congeneric species. At oviposition sites, we characterised the frequency distributions of egg masses and tested for species associations. Genus-specific behaviours produced different spatial patterns of egg masses in the same landscapes. Congregative behaviour of Ulmerochorema spp. at landscape scales and an aggregative response at preferred oviposition sites led to clumped patterns, local aggregation and species overlap. In contrast, avoidance behaviours by congeners of Apsilochorema resulted in no or weak clumping, and species segregation in some landscapes. Spatial patterns were consistent across riffles that varied in area and oviposition site density. These results suggest that quite different oviposition behaviours may be context independent, and the consequences of spatial patterns may be spatially invariant also.

Effects of mummy consumption on fitness and oviposition site selection on Harmonia axyridis.

Intraguild predation (IGP) has been commonly reported between predators and parasitoids used as biological control agents as predators consuming parasitoids within their hosts. However, the effect of parasitoid-mummy consumption on the fitness of the predator and subsequent oviposition site selection have not been well studied. In our study, we conducted two laboratory experiments to examine the influence of Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) mummies as prey on fitness and subsequently oviposition site selection of Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Results indicate that when H. axyridis was reared on A. gifuensis mummies only, its larval development was prolonged, and body weight of the 4th instar larvae and newly emerged adults, and fecundity decreased. Moreover, H. axyridis did not exhibit oviposition preference on plants infested with unparasitized aphids or aphids parasitized for shorter than 9 days. However, compared with plants with mummies (parasitized ≥9 days), H. axyridis laid more eggs on plants with unparasitized aphids. In contrast, H. axyridis previously fed with A. gifuensis mummies did not show a significant oviposition preference between plants with unparasitized aphids and those with mummies (parasitized ≥9 days). Overall, our results suggest that mummy consumption reduced the fitness of H. axyridis. Although H. axyridis avoided laying eggs on plants with A. gifuensis mummies, prior feeding experience on A. gifuensis mummies could alter the oviposition site preference. Thus, in biological control practice, prior feeding experience of H. axyridis should be carefully considered for reduction of IGP and increase of fitness of H. axyridis on A. gifuensis.

Using sibship reconstructions to understand the relationship between larval habitat productivity and oviposition behaviour in Kenyan Anopheles arabiensis

BackgroundStrategies for combatting residual malaria by targeting vectors outdoors are gaining importance as the limitations of primary indoor interventions are reached. Strategies to target ovipositing females or her offspring are broadly applicable because all mosquitoes require aquatic habitats for immature development irrespective of their biting or resting preferences. Oviposition site selection by gravid females is frequently studied by counting early instar larvae in habitats; an approach which is valid only if the number of larvae correlates with the number of females laying eggs. This hypothesis was tested against the alternative, that a higher abundance of larvae results from improved survival of a similar or fewer number of families.MethodsIn a controlled experiment, 20 outdoor artificial ponds were left uncovered for 4 days to allow oviposition by wild mosquitoes, then covered with netting and first and second instar larvae sampled daily. Natural Anopheles habitats of two different types were also identified, and all visible larvae sampled. All larvae were identified to species, and most samples of the predominant species, Anopheles arabiensis, were genotyped using microsatellites for sibling group reconstructions using two contrasting softwares, BAPS and COLONY.ResultsIn the ponds, the number of families reconstructed by each software significantly predicted larval abundance (BAPS R2 = 0.318, p = 0.01; COLONY R2 = 0.476, p = 0.001), and suggested that around 50% of females spread larvae across multiple ponds (skip oviposition). From natural habitats, the mean family size again predicted larval abundance using BAPS (R2 = 0.829, p = 0.017) though not using COLONY (R2 = 0.218, p = 0.68), but both softwares once more suggested high rates of skip oviposition (in excess of 50%).ConclusionThis study shows that, whether in closely-located artificial habitats or natural breeding sites, higher early instar larval densities result from more females laying eggs in these sites. These results provide empirical support for use of early instar larval abundance as an index for oviposition site preference. Furthermore, the sharing of habitats by multiple females and the high skip-oviposition rate in An. arabiensis suggest that larviciding by auto-dissemination of insecticide may be successful.

Effects of methylmercury on mosquito oviposition behavior: Maladaptive response to non-toxic exposure

Animals can modulate their own exposure to environmental contaminants through behavioral plasticity such as diet and habitat choice. However, it remains unclear if behavior also has cascading effects on contaminant exposure across multiple generations. In insects, oviposition site selection is an important behavior females can use to modify offspring contaminant exposure risk. In this study, we use the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, to test how methylmercury (MeHg) affects oviposition site selection. We found that mosquito larval development rate and survival were negatively affected at MeHg concentrations ≥100 ppb. Adult females not exposed to MeHg as larvae avoided oviposition sites with high MeHg concentrations (>50 ppb), but MeHg exposure at the larval stage significantly affected this oviposition site selection. Specifically, females raised from larvae exposed to non-toxic MeHg levels (i.e., five-50 ppb) showed a significant increase in preference for oviposition sites contaminated with toxic MeHg concentrations (≥500 ppb), compared to unexposed controls. This maladaptive behavioral response could be because, when conditioned with non-toxic MeHg concentrations, MeHg-associated olfactory cues act as a “supernormal” stimulus during oviposition site selection. Importantly, however, this maladaptive behavioral response is eliminated in female mosquitoes raised from larvae exposed to toxic MeHg concentrations (i.e. 100 ppb), and these mosquitoes showed a significant increase in preference for MeHg uncontaminated oviposition sites, compared to unexposed controls. Thus, in mosquitoes, the magnitude of MeHg exposure in one generation can impact MeHg exposure in subsequent generations by altering oviposition site selection behavior. Our results have broad implications for our understanding of how contaminant-mediated behavioral modifications can feedback on contaminant exposure risk across multiple generations, and consequently how behavior can affect the evolutionary trajectory of organisms inhabiting a heterogeneously contaminated environment.

Positive effect of environmentally friendly farming on paddy field odonate assemblages at a small landscape scale

Odonata species can be used to indicate the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on agrobiodiversity. In Japan, populations of some odonate species inhabiting rice paddy fields have decreased strongly owing to their high susceptibility to insecticides, and they therefore need to be conserved. To identify effective conservation strategies, we investigated how agricultural practices (conventional vs. environmentally friendly: EF) and surrounding landscape (area of forest at three spatial scales, namely 50, 100 and 200 m from the edge of the paddy field) influenced the abundance of odonates in rice paddies in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Generalized linear mixed-effect models revealed that EF farming increased the abundance of odonate adults and the number of nymphal exuviae, suggesting a strong negative effect of insecticides. The influence of forest area at the local scale on the numbers of odonate adults and nymphal exuviae was small, with the exception of a strong negative influence on adult Sympetrum infuscatum: the presence of a large area of forest within 200 m of the edge of the paddy field reduced their abundance, probably reflecting this dragonfly’s oviposition site preference. Our results suggest that EF farming could generally support the conservation and recovery of local populations of odonates, but its effectiveness potentially varies depending on the ecological aspects of each species.

The effects of the timing of exposure to cadmium on the oviposition behavior of Drosophila melanogaster.

Animals can greatly increase their fitness by choosing oviposition sites free from damaging substances such as the heavy metal cadmium (Cd). Previous research has shown that Drosophila melanogaster reared on uncontaminated media lay fewer eggs on substrates containing Cd. In this study, we examined the effects of prior exposure to Cd on oviposition site preference. We tested flies that had been exposed to Cd continuously from egg to adult, only during pre-adult stages, or for the 4days of adulthood prior to testing. We found that flies avoid laying eggs on Cd-contaminated medium and also that flies exposed to Cd as adults laid significantly fewer eggs than controls never exposed to Cd. We did not observe consistent changes in oviposition as a result of pre-adult exposure alone. Our results suggest that the presence of cadmium in the environment, even at low doses and for short periods of time during adulthood, can harm the fitness of Drosophila melanogaster.

Effect of Temperature on Oviposition Behavior and Egg Load of Blow Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

Making optimal oviposition decisions is especially important for female carrion colonizing insects whose larvae often depend on ephemeral resources. Optimal oviposition theory predicts that females should exhibit behaviors that will maximize the performance of their offspring. Oviposition can be influenced by a variety of factors, including temperature. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of temperature on the oviposition behavior and egg load of two blow fly species native to southern Ontario: Phormia regina Meigen, and Lucilia sericata Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Using fetal pig carcasses as an oviposition substrate, we assessed the length of time until the first oviposition event, preferred oviposition sites, and the total number of eggs oviposited. For each of the two species, five different temperature treatments ranging from 15 to 35°C were used. Temperature influenced time to the first oviposition event, as well as the number of eggs deposited by L. sericata and P. regina. As temperature increased, oviposition occurred faster with more eggs deposited for these two species. Female P. regina, in particular, demonstrated a higher egg load with increasing temperature. Differences in optimal temperatures for reproduction, including egg load and oviposition, may be a mechanism driving seasonal temporal resource partitioning leading to species coexistence utilizing ephemeral resources.

Utilization of Quercetin as an Oviposition Stimulant by Lab-Cultured Coleomegillamaculata in the Presence of Conspecifics and a Tissue Substrate.

Background: The discovery of natural products to improve the reproductive performance of mass-reared predators is an important aim for successful augmentative biological control. We tested the hypothesis that quercetin (a bioflavonoid) stimulates oviposition by the ladybird beetle Coleomegilla maculata in the presence of conspecifics and a tissue substrate. Methods: We conducted bioassays in solitary cages (housing one female) and communal cages (housing 10 females) to estimate daily oviposition site preferences, egg production in response to quercetin in the presence or absence of a tissue paper substrate, and female “resting” positions. Results: Females preferentially oviposited within 1–2 cm of quercetin powder, held in a tiny dish, at the base of cages. When given a choice, females oviposited in the dish with quercetin over a tissue paper substrate. In one of two experiments, they produced more egg clutches, regardless of oviposition site, when the quercetin and tissue were in close juxtaposition. Females “rested” on the tissue in the presence or absence of quercetin. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that quercetin can be utilized as an oviposition stimulant by C. maculata in a rearing system. Future research should determine if quercetin stimulates oviposition in other ladybird beetle species.

A Small-Scale Investigation Into the Effect of A Larvicidal Oil On Oviposition Site Preference By Aedes aegypti.

Larvicidal oils can be used to control immature Aedes aegypti and other pestiferous mosquitoes. To test whether oil-based larvicides also act as oviposition deterrents, indoor and semi-field trials were conducted at the Navy Entomology Center of Excellence in Jacksonville, FL. In both studies, treatment cages consisted of oviposition cups lined with seed germination paper as an oviposition substrate and filled with 1-wk-old southern live oak ( Quercus virginiana) leaf litter-infused water. Treatment cages consisted of 2 cups treated with CocoBear™ Mosquito Larvicidal Oil, while 2 cups were untreated. Control cages contained oviposition cups with only oak leaf litter-infused water. Gravid Ae. aegypti were released into cages and allowed to oviposit for 24 h, after which eggs were counted. The number of eggs deposited in treatment and control cages was not significantly different (indoor P = 0.0865; outdoor P = 0.9765). However, the number of eggs deposited in untreated cups was significantly greater than that deposited in treated cups within treatment cages (indoor P < 0.0001; outdoor P = 0.0050). These results suggest that the presence of the larvicidal oil CocoBear may cause gravid female Ae. aegypti to seek alternative oviposition sites.

Oviposition site preference of Barbitistes vicetinus (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) during outbreaks

Abstract Barbitistes vicetinus is an endemic bush‐cricket of north‐east Italy that causes heavy damage to woody vegetation and crops. Because the species was described in the late 1990s and outbreaks occurred only in the last decade, no data are currently available on pest biology and ecology. Female oviposition preference, in particular, is a key factor for understanding species habitat use, as well as for developing species monitoring and control programmes. We tested the influence of vegetation type (forest, vineyard and hedgerow) and soil cover (broadleaf litter and grass) on the oviposition preference of the species. A 3‐year study was conducted and 18 sites across the outbreak area were sampled with emergence traps. A higher nymph density was recorded in woody vegetation than in vineyards without a density gradient from the inner forest to the edge. Moreover, a significantly lower density was found under grass cover (approximately three individuals per trap) compared with broadleaf litter (approximately 39 individuals per trap). Although B. vicetinus is commonly found in vineyards, where it can cause severe damage, these habitats did not offer to the species suitable oviposition sites. These results provide useful insights with respect to the management of B. vicetinus outbreaks.

How climate influences the biology and behaviour of Phyllophaga capillata (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) in the Brazilian Cerrado

AbstractPhyllophaga capillata (Blanchard) is the most important soil pest in soybean crops in Central Brazil (Federal District and Goiás state). The objective of this work was to study the bio‐ecology of P. capillata in the field in the Cerrado of Central Brazil, relating its biology and behaviour to the climatic characteristics of this biome. The study was conducted over three years in a soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production area (≈6000 ha) in the Federal District. Field samplings were taken to observe the biological stages of P. capillata, preferred oviposition sites and the adult swarming period. Phyllophaga capillata presented an univoltine cycle that lasted about 10 months of egg to inactive adults, and 12 months until the appearance of active adults. Eggs were found in the field in October and November. The larval stage occurred between November and June. Pre‐pupae were observed in June and the pupae between July and August. Inactive adults were observed in August and September, and the swarming period was between September and December. Females preferred to oviposit in sites with taller plants. This species synchronises its active phases (larvae and active adults) with soybean cultivation and the rainy season (October/March) in the Brazilian Cerrado. Alternatives for pest management based on their bio‐ecological characteristics are presented.