Life History and Notes on the Biology of 'Stelidota octomaculata'(Coleoptera:Nitidulidae)

摘要

The life history of Stelidota octomaculata was studied in Ohio and Pennsylvania.This insect damages acorns and affects the establishment of oak seedlings. Acorns deployed in wire cages and pitfall traps plus a sampling of naturally occurring acorns were used to monitor insect activity. Adults overwinter in forest litter and begin feeding on undamaged germinating or damaged acorns in March. Beetle reproduction occurs in spring and early summer inside acorns both above and below ground. The maximum number of offspring from a female was 933 and the maximum lifespan at room temperature was 238 days. Acorns of all species tested plus seeds of 28 other species were suitable for larval development.