Life history of Colaspis crinicornis Schaeffer (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Nebraska

The Chrysomelid beetle Colaspis crinicornis Schaeffer has been observed more commonly in crops in eastern Nebraska in recent years. Currently, little to no information is available on the biology, host range, and pest potential of C. crinicornis. Therefore, a comprehensive study was initiated to examine the life history and pest potential of C. crinicornis in Nebraska. This poster presents information on the biology and life history of C. crinicornis, specifically population dynamics in corn and potential impacts of crop rotation. Single plant emergence cages were used in 2010 to monitor emergence of adult C. crinicornis in continuous corn and first-year corn following soybeans in southeastern Nebraska. Adults were captured from mid- or late June until mid-August with peak emergence in early to mid-July. Higher emergence of C. crinicornis was observed in continuous corn than in first-year corn. The highest seasonal emergence was estimated to be 546,807 beetles per hectare. Data on life history traits of C. crinicornis was obtained in the laboratory. Initial data suggest that C. crinicornis is univoltine and overwinters as medium to almost full-size larvae in the soil in Nebraska and that larvae can develop on corn and soybeans. Life history data presented in this poster provide the initial baseline needed to investigate the pest potential of C. crinicornis in future experiments.