Emergence of Laricobius nigrinus (Fender) (Coleoptera: Oerodontidae) in the North Georgia Mountains
2014
Jones, C. E. | Hanula, J. L. | Braman, S. K.
Hemlock woolly adelgid, Ade/ges tsugae Annand, is currently found throughout most of the range of eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (L,) Carriere. Biological control agents have been released in attempts to control this pest, but how different climates influence the efficacy and survival of these agents has not been studied. One predatory beetle of A tsugae, Laricobius nigrinus Fender, is native to the Pacific Northwest and, therefore, experiences a much different summer climate in the north Georgia mountains. To better understand survival of this predator as it aestivates in the soil, 5 mesh cages were set up at each of 16 sites with 4 sites located at an elevation below 549 m, 4 sites between 549 m - 732 m, 5 sites between 732 m - 914 m, and 3 sites over 914 m. At each site 30 larvae were placed inside one of the cages during March, April, or May on a bouquet of adelgid infested hemlock twigs, and emergence of adults was monitored in the fall. Of the 1440 larvae placed at the 16 sites, only 4 adult beetles emerged between 06 October 2012 and 05 November 2012. The overall success rate remains unknown, and more research is needed to assess the efficacy of L. nigrinus as a biological control agent in Georgia.
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