Black Vine Weevil:1 Reproductive Potential on Selected Plants23

Abstract

Host suitability of several plant species for adult black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus (F.) (Col.: Curculionidae), was investigated during 1976–79 by measuring length of the maturation feeding period, fecundity, and longevity. Taxus were generally more suitable than Rhododendron; R. smirnowii Trautvetter, a species with heavily indumented leaves, was non-preferred and unsuitable for maturation feeding. Oviposition peaked 3 weeks after it commenced, but continued until the light-dark cycle had been at 12/12 for several weeks. Egg production resumed 3 weeks after the photoperiod was increased to 16 hours.