Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-j824f Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-10T13:11:28.976Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Observations on the biology of Cerambyx dux Faldermann in the Maltese Islands

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

L. J. Saliba
L. J. Saliba
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

The distribution and host-range of Cerambyx dux Fald. are summarised, and the detailed life-history in Malta, where the hosts are apple and pear, is described. Collections of various stages from host material indicate that the duration of the complete life-cycle is three years, including a 26–28 month larval period. The number of larval instars is estimated at six. Egg survival is dependent on high humidity. The early months of larval activity are confined to the superficial regions of the trunk and main branches of the host, penetration of the sapwood and heartwood occurring later. No special air-holes appear to be constructed by the larva. No exit gallery is constructed, and the emerging adult makes use of the existing burrows, finally gnawing its way to the exterior. The period of emergence is short (8–10 days) and may be stimulated by rain. Adult life lasts about one month. The average number of eggs laid per female is approximately 13. The main predator on C. dux larvae is the larva of Zeuzera pyrina (L.). This is confined to the lesser limbs of trees in Malta, but extends throughout the trees in Gozo, and has practically eliminated C. dux from this island.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 67 , Issue 1 , March 1977 , pp. 107 - 117
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1977

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Bodenheimer, F. S.. (1930). Die Schädlingsfauna Palästinas. —438 pp. Berlin, Parey.Google Scholar
Borg, J.. (1922). Cultivation and diseases of fruit trees in the Maltese Islands.—622 pp. Malta, Govt. Printing Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Buxton, P. A.. (1924). Applied entomology of Palestine, being a report to the Palestine Government.—Bull. ent. Res. 14, 289–340.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bytinsky-Salz, H.. (1956). The Cerambycidae of Israel.—Bull. Res. Court. Israel. (B) 5, 207–226.Google Scholar
Cameron, M. & Caruana, Gatto A.. (1907). A list of the Coleoptera of the Maltese Islands.—Trans. R. ent. Soc. Lond. 59, 383–403.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Caruana, Gatto A.. (1894). Common beetles of the Maltese Islands.—14 pp. Malta, Muscat Printing Press.Google Scholar
De Bertolini, S. (1872). Catalogo dei coleotteri d'Italia.—263 pp. Florence, Cenniniana Printing Press.Google Scholar
Deschamps, P.. (1944). Sur la digestion do bois par le larves de Cerambycides.—Bull. Soc. ent. Fr. 49, 104–108.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Duffy, E. A. J.. (1946). A contribution towards the biology of Prionus coriarius L. (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae).—Trans. R. ent. Soc. Lond. 97, 419–442.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Duffy, E. A. J.. (1953). A monograph of the immature stages of British and imported timber beetles (Cerambycidae).—350 pp. London, British Museum (Natural History).Google Scholar
Faldermann, F.. (1837). Fauna entomologica transcaucasica, Part II.–Nouv. Mem. Soc. (imp.) Nat. Mosc. 5, 264–265.Google Scholar
Fauvel, J.. & Dubois, A.. (1884). Les longicornes Gallo-Rhenans.—Revue Ent. 3, 201–202.Google Scholar
Heyden, L. V.., Reitter, E.. & Wiese, J.. (1906). Catalogus coleopterorum Europae, Caucasi et Armeniae rossicae.—2nd edn, 774 pp. Paskau, Reitter.Google Scholar
Jolles, P.. (1932). A study of the life-history and control of Cerambyx dux Fald., a pest of certain stone-fruit trees in Palestine.—Bull. ent. Res. 23, 251–256.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kuster, H. C.. (1845). Die Kafer Europas. II.—100 pp. Nuremburg, Verlag von Bauer ' Raspe.Google Scholar
Lacordaire, T. H.. (1869). Histoire naturell des insectes—Coléoptères VIII.—552 pp. Paris, Librarie Encyclopedique de Rovet, Saillard Printing Press.Google Scholar
Mansour, K.. (1934). On the so-called symbiotic relationship between coleopterous insects and the supposed role of micro-organisms.—Q. Jl microsc. Sci. 77, 363–382.Google Scholar
Mansour, K.. & Mansour, Bek J. J.. (1934). On the digestion of wood by insects.—J. exp. Biol. 11, 243–256.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mendizabal, M.. (1943). Cerambycidos de interes agricola.—Boln Patol. veg. Ent. agric. 12, 436–476.Google Scholar
Mulsant, E.. (1862). Histoire naturelle des coléoptéres de France–Longicornes.—2nd edn, 590 pp. Paris, Magnin & Blanchard.Google Scholar
Parkin, E. A.. (1940). The digestive enzymes of some wood-boring beetle larvae.—J. exp. Biol. 17, 364–377.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pic, M.. (1900–1917). Catalogue bibliographique et synonymique des longicornes d&Europe et des regions avoisinantes.—120 pp. Lyons, Jacquet Frères.Google Scholar
Picard, F.. (1929). Coléoptères—Cerambycides.—Faune Fr. 20, 1–168.Google Scholar
Planet, L. M.. (1924). Histoire naturelle des longicornes de France.—356 pp. Paris, Lechevalier.Google Scholar
Plavilstschikov, N. N.. (1940). Insectes coléoptères—Cerambycidae 2.—Fauna SSSR (ns). 22, 1–784.Google Scholar
Ripper, W.. (1930). Zur Frage des Celluloseabbaus bei der Holzverdauung xylophager Insektenlarven.—Z. vergl. Physiol. 13, 314–333.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Saliba, L. J.. (1972). Gallery orientation in cerambycid larvae.—Entomologist. 105, 300–304.Google Scholar
Saliba, L. J.. (1974a). The adult behaviour of Cerambyx dux Faldermann.—Ann. ent. Soc. Amer. 67, 47–50.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Saliba, L. J.. (1974b). The taxonomic status of Cerambyx dux Faldermann and C. miles Bonelli (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).—J. Ent. (B) 42, 171–181.Google Scholar
Schimitschek, E.. (1944). Forstinsekten der Türkei und ihre Umwelt.—371 pp. Amsterdam-Berlin–Wien, Volk & Reich Verlag Prag.Google Scholar
Tapley, R. G.. (1960). The white coffee borer, Anthores leuconotus Pasc, and its control.—Bull. ent. Res. 51, 279–301.CrossRefGoogle Scholar