Internal changes associated with flight condition, reproductive maturity, and mating in bark and ambrosia beetles: A guide for dissection and assessment

Abstract

Bark and ambrosia beetles are a diverse group which inhabit plants. Outbreaks of some species compete with human values and cause significant economic and ecological impacts. Identifying the flight condition, reproductive maturity, and mating status of individual bark beetles can benefit biological, physiological, and behavioral studies. Here, we provide detailed methods to:

Dissect the metathorax and abdomen of bark beetles

Extract and measure the lateral medius flight muscle and ovarioles

Extract the spermatheca and assess the mating status of female bark beetles