MEDETERA ALDRICHII (DIPTERA: DOLICHOPODIDAE) IN THE BLACK HILLS: I. EMERGENCE AND BEHAVIOR OF ADULTS

Abstract

AbstractThe number of Medetera aldrichii Wheeler adults emerging daily in 1966 and 1967 was low and irregular. Peak numbers apparently emerged 20–30 days prior to mass emergence of Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins although the numbers fluctuated through the mass emergence period of the beetle. Densities of emerging adults averaged less than 1 per square foot of bark and never exceeded 6.0 per square foot. Densities of the emerging flies and beetles did not appear related.Adults mated on the bark surface of trees infested with D. ponderosae; mating habits are described.Females oviposited in degenerate resin ducts in the bark surface. Two eggs per duct were the modal number. Seven or more per duct were found in less than 5% of the ducts examined.