FLIGHT MUSCLE CHANGES IN BLACK HILLS BEETLES, <i>DENDROCTONUS PONDEROSAE</i> (COLEOPTERA: SCOLYTIDAE), DURING EMERGENCE AND EGG LAYING

Abstract

Abstract The lateralis medius, an indirect flight muscle of Black Hills beetles, degenerated abruptly in females within 3 days after attack. Egg laying began at the end of the 3 days. Thickness of the muscle changed much more than width. Regeneration began in most ovipositing females about 10 days after attack. Steady development of the muscle to its maximum size, reached prior to beetle emergence, offers a method of forecasting emergence.