Life cycle and spatial distribution of Ectinohoplia rufipes (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) in Korean golf courses

Ectinohoplia rufipes (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) is serious scarab pest of many kinds of ornamental trees in Korean golf courses. Ninety-four species of 86 genera in 30 families were recorded as host plants, but life cycle of E. rufipes was not observed. Thus, life cycle and spatial distribution of E. rufipes was investigated at two Golf Clubs, Gapyeong Benest Golf Club in Gapyeong and Seven Hills Golf Club in Ansung, Gyeonggi Province from April to November, 2007. Larval density of E. rufipes was different depending on site of courses or holes. The density was higher in rough than fairway and in aged courses than newly constructed courses even at the same Golf Club. Average density and distribution of larvae depending on investigation month was 0.2 – 1.2/m2 and 3.0 - 5.8 cm deep, respectively. Although adults were observed in soil on May 28, they were collected in the collecting net installed in the courses on June 2. The peak time of adult emergence was June 9. Interestingly, adults were found in soil until June 26 but not observed in the collecting net on June 18. The 2nd and 3rd instars overwintered and pupated early May. Emergence occurred in late May and came out from the soil in early June. Newly emerged adults laid eggs from late June to early July. Eggs were hatched in the middle or late July and developed to be 3rd instar early October.