REDIA (2005) 88, 115-117

G. Sabbatini Peverieri and M. Faggi (2005)
Determination of age in larvae of Tomicus destruens (Wollaston, 1865) (Coleoptera Scolytidae) based on head capsule width
REDIA 88, 115-117
Abstract: The age of Tomicus destruens larvae was determined by analysis of the head capsule width distribution using a software program. 1068 larvae were collected from T. destruens infested trees (Pinus pinaster Ait.) in a pine forest in central Italy (Tuscany). The mean value of head capsule width was 0.48 mm for the Ist instar, 0.638 mm for the IInd instar, 0.845 mm for the IIIrd instar and 1.141 mm for the IVth instar. The ability to determine the age of T. destruens larvae offers new prospects for more detailed studies of its biology; it also provides forest managers involved in programs to control the bark beetle with a tool to determine the phenological distribution of the larvae.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Giuseppino Sabbatini Peverieri

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

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Tomicus destruens	Pine (Pinus)	Italy