Temperature Effects on the Survival and Development of Two Pest Bark Beetles Hylurgus ligniperda F. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Hylastes ater Paykull (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Hylurgus ligniperda (F.) and Hylastes ater (Paykull) are secondary bark beetles that have successfully spread beyond their native range, particularly into Pinus spp. plantations in the Southern Hemisphere. They feed on the phloem and cambial regions of highly stressed and recently dead Pinus spp. Here H. ligniperda and H. ater egg, larval, and pupal survival and development rates were modeled. Survival was variably influenced by temperatures depending on the life stage, but general trends were for H. ligniperda to tolerate warmer temperatures in comparison to H. ater. Nonlinear models showed 26, 29, and 34 degrees C are the optimal temperature (maximum development rates) for the development of eggs, larvae, and pupae of H. ligniperda. In contrast, optimal temperature predictions were lower for H. ater, with estimates of 26, 22, and 23 degrees C for the development of eggs, larvae, and pupae, respectively. H. ligniperda pre-imaginal stages were more tolerant to high temperatures, and H. ater pre-imaginal stages were more tolerant to low temperatures. Understanding the thermal requirements and limits for development for these two pests can assist in modeling emergence times, their current and potential species distribution and have potential phytosanitary applications.

Automated summary

This study modeled the survival and development of secondary bark beetles H. ligniperda and H. ater, and found that temperature has varying effects on different life stages. H. ligniperda showed higher tolerance to higher temperatures, while H. ater showed higher tolerance to lower temperatures.