Bionomics of the Tamarix leaf beetle, Cryptocephalus sinaita moricei Pic, 1908 (Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae)

Abstract

Cryptocephalus sinaita moricei Pic, 1908 is a phytophagous leaf-beetle, whose adults and larvae feed on Tamarix shoots and leaves. after mating, the fe male oviposits and simultaneously covers each egg with dark anal secretion. ap proximately half of the eggs are dropped beneath the tree, while the rest are ad hered to the tree shoots. the larva constructs a case that apparently provides pro tection from natural enemies. Developmental duration from the egg to adult takes three months under laboratory conditions at 25 ± 2 °C. In contrast to most congeners, C. s. moricei larvae can survive only on fresh shoots and leaves but not on de caying ones. accordingly, the ground-hatching larvae quickly locate a tree and climb up to the canopy to feed. When fully fed, the majority of larvae drop off the tree and pupate on the ground, whereas a minority pupate on the tree, at taching themselves to twigs. life history strategies, particularly regarding ovi position, feeding and pupation, are discussed.