ESTABLISHMENT AND REARING OF ANARSIA-LINEATELLA (LEPIDOPTERA, GELECHIIDAE) ON A MERIDIC DIET

An improved method for rearing peach twig borer, Anarsia lineatella Ze ller, on a lima bean-based diet is described. Two lines of A. lineatel la were established successfully using this method. Both lines were co mparable with field-collected insects in developmental rate, adult lon gevity, and pupal weights. Fecundity of one of the lines exceeded publ ished values for wild females after five generations on artificial die t, but fecundity of the other line was considerably reduced, probably as a result of inbreeding depression. Direct observations indicated th at moisture on the diet surface was an important factor in the establi shment of neonates, with 90% survival achieved under optimum condition s. Crowding was also a mortality factor. At 27 +/- 2-degrees-C, develo pment from neonate to adult required almost-equal-to 27.5 d. Virgin ad ult activity patterns were bimodal, with both sexes being active after onset of scotophase, and with males seeking mates and mating during t he last 2 h of the scotophase. Using this method we were able to rear A. lineatella with greater success and with less effort than had been reported previously.