Biology of the striped chafer, Odontria striata (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) II. Larval development

Abstract

The larval development of Odontria striata White was studied by soil-sampling 6 developed tussock grassland paddocks in Central Otago over a 28-month period. The oviposition period extended from October to February, but egg recoveries were greatest from late October to early December. Larval development was consequently asynchronous. Main recoveries of first, second, and third instars were in January, February-March, and June respectively. Third-instar larvae which had completed feeding entered a diapause stage from May onwards, and this allowed synchronous pupation in late January and February. Development rates of larvae varied between paddocks, and larvae from faster-developing populations were heavier than those from more slowly developing ones. Timing of oviposition was thought to affect developmental rate: eggs laid early in spring developed into faster-maturing larvae than those laid in summer. The long oviposition period may be of important survival value for the species in the event of harsh climatic conditions in spring.

Keywords:

• Coleoptera
• Scarabaeidae
• Odontria striata
• larval development
• larval weight
• population change
• diapause
• oviposition