Laboratory studies on Monochamus alternatus and M. carolinensis
Laboratory studies were carried out to compare oviposition and longevity of Monochamus alternatus and M. carolinensis (both EPPO A1 quarantine pests), which are vectors of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (EPPO A1 quarantine pest). Mated and unmated females were reared in the laboratory. Results showed that M. alternatus females lived longer than M. carolinensis and that M. carolinensis deposited a greater number of eggs per day. Unmated females for both species lived longer than mated females but laid fewer eggs per day (resulting in a higher fecundity for mated females). The distribution of eggs was similar between the two species, and between mated and unmated females. The majority of oviposition sites contained a single egg. The authors concluded that the abundant egg laying capacity of unmated Monochamus females could have implications for the introduction of B. xylophilus. The possible introduction of unmated females on wood consignments cannot lead to the establishment of insect populations (eggs are not fertile), but the introduction of nematodes remains a possibility. It is stated that studies are under way to determine whether transmission of pinewood nematode dispersal juveniles is possible through oviposition wounds made by unmated Monochamus females.
Sources
Zang, X.; Linit, M.J. (1998) Comparison of oviposition and longevity of Monochamus alternatus and M. carolinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) under laboratory conditions.
Environmental Entomology, 27(4), 885-891.