Population dynamics of Monochamus galloprovincialis Olivier (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in two pine species under laboratory conditions

The study of the life history dynamics of the pine sawyer beetle Monochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier) is important because the beetles vector the pinewood nematode. The objectives of this study were to investigate differences in beetle life history parameters between the two common host tree species in Turkey, Pinus sylvestris and Pinus nigra. Relationships between the number of oviposition sites, holding time (time between log cut and oviposition), log moisture content, log volume and area, and adult survivorship were evaluated. No significant differences were found between the two tree species except adult density per m(2). The holding time did not influence the number of oviposition sites, larval entry holes or adults for P. sylvestris. There was a negative correlation between the holding time and the number of oviposition sites for P. nigra. The number of adults emerged per log was correlated with the number of larval entry holes only for P. sylvestris. Only 12 and 15% of the initial cohort completed development and emerged as adults for P. sylvestris and P. nigra, respectively. Both tree species are equally suitable hosts for M. galloprovincialis development. We conclude that the high within-log mortality of beetles is a combination of resource quality and quantity factors and intraspecific competition and cannibalism during larval development.