The effects of temperature on the development of polyphagous shot hole borer (Euwallacea sp.)

Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (Euwallacea sp.) (PSHB) is an invasive ambrosia beetle originally identified as Tea Shot Hole Borer (Euwallacea fornicatus), but shown to be a different species based on nuclear and mitochondrial evidence (Rugman-Jones and Stouthamer, unpublished data). PSHB carries a complex of symbiotic fungi which are grown inside the galleries its forms under the bark of its host tree. Infestations of the beetle pose a threat to tree health due to the damage inflicted on the tree’s vascular tissue by tunneling and fungal growth (Eskalen et. al., 2012). The threat of PSHB is amplified by its large host tree range and lack of information regarding its life history characteristics. In order to expand the base knowledge on PSHB the rate at which the beetle can develop under different conditions was determined. Individual PSHB adults were reared under a range of temperatures within modified centrifuge tubes filled with semi-artificial media. At set intervals tubes were dissected to allow counts of each life stage present. PSHB developed between 15 and 33 ℃ and exhibited sharp increases and decreases in development over only a change of a few degrees. These findings will be useful in predicting population growth of PSHB populations and for predicting areas at risk.

See more of: 08 - Graduate Ten-Minute Paper Competition: P-IE - Biology/Behavior B
See more of: Student TMP Competition

<< Previous Presentation | Next Presentation >>