The Biology and Ecology of the Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis, in China

The biology, ecology, and life cycle of the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), were studied using regular inspection in the forest and observations in the laboratory. Results indicated that A. planipennis are mostly univoltine in Tianjin, China. They overwintered individually as mature larvae in shallow chambers excavated in the outer sapwood. In late July, some full-grown larvae began to build overwintering chambers, and all larvae entered the sapwood for dormancy by early November. A. planipennis pupated in the overwintering chamber from early April to mid May the following year, and the average pupal duration was about 20 days. In late April, some newly eclosed adults could be found in the pupal cells, but they had not yet emerged from the tree. Adults began to emerge in early May, with peak flight occurring in mid May. The average longevity of adults was about 21 days and the adult stage lasted through early July. The adults fed on ash foliage as a source of nutrition. Mating was usually conducted and completed on the leaf or trunk surfaces of ash trees. Oviposition began in mid May and eggs hatched on average in 15.7 days. The first instar larvae appeared in early June. The larval stage lasted about 300 days to complete an entire generation. The emerald ash borer had four larval instars on velvet ash, Fraxinus velutina (Scrophulariales: Oleaceae). The major natural control factors of A. planipennis were also investigated, and preliminary suggestions for its integrated management are proposed

Preimaginal Stages of the Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): An Invasive Pest on Ash Trees (Fraxinus)

This study provides the most detailed description of the immature stages of Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire to date and illustrates suites of larval characters useful in distinguishing among Agrilus Curtis species and instars. Immature stages of eight species of Agrilus were examined and imaged using light and scanning electron microscopy. For A. planipennis all preimaginal stages (egg, instars I-IV, prepupa and pupa) were described. A combination of 14 character states were identified that serve to identify larvae of A. planipennis. Our results support the segregation of Agrilus larvae into two informal assemblages based on characters of the mouthparts, prothorax, and abdomen: the A. viridis and A. ater assemblages, with A. planipennis being more similar to the former. Additional evidence is provided in favor of excluding A. planipennis from the subgenus Uragrilus

Trapping wood boring beetles in Italian ports: a pilot study

International audienceInvasive alien species cost forestry billions of euros every year and their early detection is becoming of utmost importance. The aim of this study is to improve some of the techniques available for trapping alien wood boring beetles (Scolytinae, Cerambycidae, and Buprestidae) arriving at high-risk sites, such as ports. During 2009–2011, trapping carried out in four Italian seaports tested the comparative efficiency of different luring (single-lure vs. multi-lure traps) and trap designs (cross-vane vs. multi-funnel). In addition, trap captures within the ports were compared with those obtained in surrounding areas. Six out of 49 species trapped in 3 years of investigation were of alien origin: four Scolytinae and two Cerambycidae. The number of species trapped in multi-lure traps was as high as that resulting from the sum of the single-lure traps. The two trap designs performed equally well, but multi-funnel traps were more robust and easier to use in ports. In 2011, the number of species trapped in ports and surrounding areas was similar, although differently distributed. On a total of 26 species trapped in this experiment, nine were exclusive to ports, of which three aliens, eight were exclusive to surrounding areas, of which one alien, and nine were common to both habitats, of which one alien. In conclusion, we suggest the use of multi-funnel traps baited with different lures for monitoring alien wood boring beetles in ports. Using traps outside the port is also recommended to validate the surveillance program