ASPECTS OF Euchroma gigantea (L., 1758) (COLEOPTERA-BUPRESTIDAE) ON Paquira aquatica AUBLET (BOMBACACEAE)

Abstract

The biology of E. gigantea on P. aquatica was studied without T°C, UR and fotoperiod. Females performed the laying of eggs from December through March. Each female lay egg masses in the plant peel crevices, averaging 4 egg masses/plant with up to 10 eggs/mass. The observed incubation period averaged 19 days. The average laying of eggs per female was 6.2, averaging 40 eggs/laying and 248 eggs/female, with 72% feasibility. The larvae initially build a gallery in the subcortical region and then toward the root system where the cycle is completed. The average larval period was 240 days, the larvae measuring 8-12cm long at the last instar. The pre-pupal feasibility was 63% and the average period 13 days. The average pupal period was 30 days and feasibility 69%. The average biological cycle was 302 days. After the emergence the adult builds a vertical oval shaped gallery in the direction of soil surface. Since E. gigantea larvae destroy the P. aquatica root system, the winds easily throw down the trees due to lack of any support.

KEY-WORDS: Euchroma gigantea; Paquira aquatica; biology; ornamental trees.