Life cycle and development of red bay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff) in the natural hosts avocado, red bay and swamp bay

The life cycle and development of Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff were studied in logs of three natural hosts Avocado (Persea americana), Red bay (Persea borbonia) and Swamp bay (Persea palustris). Similar development of X. glabratus was observed in the three hosts. Eggs were first encountered on the 7th, 11th and 10th day after gallery initiation (AGI), respectively in Persea americana, Persea borbonia and Persea palustris. The larval stage was first observed on the 14th, 20th and 14th day after gallery initiation (AGI) in these same hosts, respectively. Pupae were first encountered on the 24th, 26th and 26th day, and teneral adults on 31st, 30th and 26th day AGI in these same hosts, respectively. Gallery formation pattern was characterized by a main tunnel, with side branches sometimes having secondary branches; no specific brood chamber was observed. Eggs were laid in the side branches and secondary branches. The life cycles appear to be overlapping. All developmental stages can be observed in the gallery one month after gallery initiation by a beetle. Three larval instars are presumed based on the head capsule widths.