A method for rearing Arhopalus ferus (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) larvae on a modified artificial diet

摘要

Burnt pine longhorn (BPL), Arhopalus ferus (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is an introduced species sometimes found in association with export logs and sawn timber. A rearing method was developed to produce larvae of a known age, number and quality for control trials. Growth of larvae from newly hatched to 5 weeks was measured on a standard cerambycid artificial diet and on modified diets. Replacing pine wood with pine bark sawdust increased survival at 5 weeks from 23% to 76% and mean weight from 9 to 21 mg. There were significant interactions between the influences of three factors (diet, period of rearing, initial larval density) on the weight of surviving larvae. Individual rearing was preferred for convenience and a standardised method was used to rear 8740 larvae for disinfestation trials. Establishment and survival to 6 weeks for these larvae was 97%.