Biology and dynamics of redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus)

Biology and Dynamics of Redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus) G.S.Brar, J. E. Peña, J. L. Capinera, and S. McLean Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, gpsbrar@ufl.edu; and University of Florida, Gainesville, FL University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead, FL

Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff was reared on logs of Persea americana in the controlled conditions at 25±20C and 70% R.H. Eggs and larvae was observed on 9th day after gallery initiation (AGI), pupae on 16th day and teneral adults on 26th day AGI. Raffaelea lauricola, was isolated from both galleries and from newly emerge adults. Gallery formation pattern was characterized by main branch, with side branches sometimes having secondary branches, no specific brood chamber was observed. Eggs were laid in the side branches and secondary branches. The length of the life cycle of this beetle ranges between 45-65 days. Survey of various size diameters of Persea borbonia trees for laurel wilt disease revealed that disease-infected trees had significantly greater diameter than healthy trees suggesting attraction of the beetles to older (larger) trees. A population dynamics study of X. glabratus in hammocks containing Persea borbonia in Alachua County, Florida, showed that the beetle was active nearly throughout the year with peak populations observed in the month of April.