Megaplatypus mutatus
| Literature database |
|---|
| 15 articles sorted by: |
| • year (recent ones first) |
| • research topics |
| • countries/regions |
| • host plants |
Author(s): Sarah McCaffrey, Museum Victoria
Source: PaDIL
Megaplatypus mutatus (Chapuis, 1865)
This ambrosia beetle is native to South America but has been accidentally introduced into Italy. It only attacks the trunks of live trees, in contrast to many other ambrosia beetles. The hosts are various forest trees, in particular poplar. The attacks weaken the trees, causing stem breaking and tree death. In addition, the symbiotic fungus, introduced by the beetles and used as food, stains the wood and lowers its quality, although it is not pathogenic.
The beetle has one generation per year. In spring, males emerge first and fly to a host tree where they form a gallery. They then emit a pheromone to attract females. Larval development lasts around 5 months and the larvae pupate in autumn.
For a review see the EPPO data sheet (2009).
Synonyms:
Platypus mutatus
Platypus sulcatus
- Other images of Megaplatypus mutatus (PaDIL - click to enlarge)
head
antenna
elytra
