Environmental Entomology (1993) 22, 93-98

Thomas J. Weissling and Robin M. Giblin-Davis (1993)
Water loss dynamics and humidity preference of Rhynchophorus cruentatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults
Environmental Entomology 22 (1), 93-98
Abstract: The water loss dynamics and humidity preference of Rhynchophorus cruentatus (F.) adults were investigated. Total body water averaged 47 ± 8% by mass, and cumulative loss increased with time at all humidities tested (0, 33, 63, and 100% RH) at 30°C. Death occurred more rapidly in low than in high humidities, at which time weevils had lost ~50% of their total body water. Cuticular permeability of weevils calculated from exposure to 0% RH for 2 h was 39.5 + 4.1 and 75.9 ± 8.1 µg cm^-2 h^-1 mmHg^-1 when surface areas were calculated using Meeh's formula and planimetry, respectively. When given a choice, R. cruentatus adults chose high over low relative humidity after exposure for 2 and 24 h. R. cruentatus adults are subject to desiccation under a drying environment and may use habitat location to conserve water.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Robin M. Giblin-Davis

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Rhynchophorus cruentatus		U.S.A. (SE)