WITHIN-TREE DISTRIBUTIONS AND SEASONALITY OF IMMATURE STAGES OF THE BRONZE BIRCH BORER, AGRILUS ANXIUS (COLEOPTERA: BUPRESTIDAE)

Abstract

AbstractDistributions of immature stages of the bronze birch borer, Agrilus anxius Gory (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), infesting young European white birch, Betula pendula Roth, were studied on a surface mine reforestation site in Pennsylvania. Eggs of A. anxius were common on boles of trees from mid-June through mid-August, in clusters of up to 14 eggs. Almost 70% of the eggs were in crevices in the dark triangular patch at branch origins. Larvae were present throughout the year. Fourth instars comprised 93.1% of the overwintering population.Vertical distributions of eggs, larvae, and pupae along the bole were random relative to available surface area. Consequently, each stage was more abundant on the lower half than on the upper half of trees. Eggs and first instars were concentrated on the northeast, or shaded, side of trees. Second and third instars were distributed randomly around the bole. Fourth instars overwintered and pupated primarily on the southwest aspect.