A continuous rearing method for the dogwood borer, Synanthedon scitula (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae)

The dogwood borer, Synanthedon scitula (Harris), is recognized as pest of numerous fruit and ornamental trees throughout eastern North America. Current management of dogwood borer centers on trunk drench applications of organophosphate insecticides to prevent borer damage. To gain a deeper understanding of mate-and host finding behavior of dogwood borer and to expedite research on alternative forms of semiochemically-based management, an efficient method for rearing large numbers of dogwood borer was necessary. Previous obstacles to rearing dogwood borer have included synchronizing the development of pupae to generate a cohort from which adult moths would emerge over a limited and predictable period, reliable and consistent mating of adults in captivity, consistent oviposition by mated females, and establishment of neonate larvae on artificial diet. Our research has led to the development of a continuous rearing program to efficiently culture dogwood borer throughout the year at this point via standardized procedures at each developmental stage. Our studies show that the use of the “black-eye” stage as a common point in pupal development can be used to synchronize adult emergence. There were no significant differences in mating success using small, medium, and large cages exposed to natural daylight and artificial light. However, fading light intensity during the mating process did increase mating success. Favored oviposition substrates increased the number of eggs deposited by individual females, and thinning apples were a successful rearing medium for all stages of larval development. Furthermore, duration of each developmental stage throughout the rearing process was determined.