Feeding habits, movement, and reproduction of the predatory flat bark beetles Cathartus quadricollis (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) and Leptophloeus sp. (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) in Hawaii coffee and macadamia nut

Abstract

AbstractHawaii has a multitude of scolytine (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolitinae) pests including Hypothenemus hampei, coffee berry borer, which is apest of coffee, Hypothenemus obscurus, tropical nut borer, a significant pest of macadamia nut, and Xylosandrus compactus, black twig borer, a pest of many tropical and ornamental crops. The flat bark beetles, Carthartus quadricollis (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) and Leptophloeus sp. (Coleoptera; Laemophloeidae), are known to predate on coffee berry borer and tropical nut borer but their natural history (feeding habits, reproduction and movement) are poorly understood. Studies were conducted using molecular, field, and laboratory assays to examine 1) flat bark beetle reproduction and movement in coffee and the broader agricultural landscape, 2) establishment of augmentative releases for biological control, and 3) predation rates on H. hampei, H. obscurus and X. compactus. Various life stages of C. quadricollis and Leptophloeus sp. were found in seven different plant species common to the agricultural landscape around coffee farms, suggesting these predators are feeding and reproducing on theses hosts. Molecular analysis indicated that C. quadricollis and Leptophloeus sp. predated on H. hampei, H. obscurus and X. compactus in coffee, macadamia nut, and mixed coffee-macadamia nut farms. Laboratory reared predators were recaptured near release sites on coffee farms at 1, 2, and 7 weeks after augmentative releases. Predation of C. quadricollis on H. hampei eggs placed inside artificial coffee berries in coffee farms was about 40%. Predators C. quadricollis and Leptophloeus sp. are natural enemies of some significant agricultural scolytine pests in Hawaii and have excellent potential for biological control with augmentative releases.