Journal of Entomological Science (1997) 32, 478-486

A.O. Ameen and R.N. Story (1997)
Biology of the yellowmargined leaf beetle (Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae) on crucifers
Journal of Entomological Science 32 (4), 478-486
Abstract: Multi-generation survivorship, developmental biology, fecundity, and adult longevity of the yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma Stal, were studied in the laboratory on cabbage, Brassica oleracea var. capitata L., collard, B. oleracea var. acephala L., mustard, B. juncea Cosson, turnip, B. rapa L., and radish, Raphanus sativus L. Host plant significantly affected multi-generation survivorship; survivorship was 0% on cabbage but >70% on the other hosts when tests were terminated in the fourth generation. Duration of development of life stages and total duration of development from oviposition to adult emergence did not vary significantly with host at 20°C. The latter averaged 27 d among hosts. Development averaged 7.8 d for eggs, 10 for the four larval instars, 3 d for prepupae, and 5.6 d for pupae. Fecundity and adult longevity were significantly affected by host plant. Egg numbers per female were significantly higher on turnip than on collard but did not differ significantly among cabbage, mustard and radish. Sex did not affect longevity, but beetles lived significantly longer on radish than cabbage, collard, mustard, or turnip.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)

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.
	Microtheca ochroloma	Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)	U.S.A. (SE)
	Microtheca ochroloma	Radish (Raphanus sativus)
	Microtheca ochroloma	Brassica - other species	U.S.A. (mid S)