Age-specific fecundity of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) on three tree species infested in the United States

The spread of Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky (Asian long horned bettle), in the United States is dependent on its rates of reproduction and dispersal among host-tree species. Therefore, investigations of the reproductive characteristics of A. glabripennis, including preovipositional period, age specific fecundity and survival, on Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.), red maple (Acer,rubrum L.), and black willow (Salix nigra Marshall) were undertaken to quantify its reproductive capacity among these host-tree species under laboratory conditions. Differences were found in preovipositional period, fecundity, egg viability and survival among the host-tree species. Oviposition rate was positively correlated with beetle body size, but negatively correlated with beetle age, bolt area, diameter, and bark thickness. Collectively, results show that in terms of adult female A. glabripennis survival and reproductive capacity, Norway and red maple were more suitable than black willow, with Norway maple somewhat more suitable than red maple. We hypothesize bark thickness and woody-tissue characteristics (i.e., nutritional substances, secondary substances, structural features) caused, at least in part, the observed differences in A. glabripennis survival and reproduction. Comparison of the various measures of A. glabripennis reproductive capacity was made with other cerambycids, specifically species of the subfamily Laminae, and implications for development of management strategies in U.S. ecosystems are discussed.