VARIATIONS IN-GROUND WHITE-PINE BARK CONCENTRATION IN ARTIFICIAL DIETIN RELATION TO EGG-LAYING, FEEDING, AND MORTALITY OF PISSODES-STROBI (COLEOPTERA, CURCULIONIDAE)

Variations in concentrations of ground white pine bark incorporated in to artificial diet were studied to determine their effect on egg layin g and feeding behavior of white pine weevils, Pissodes strobi (Peck). Significant differences in feeding and egg laying responses were detec ted between adults fed diets containing 5 and 10% ground bark. White p ine weevil larvae reared on the diet containing 1% ground bark had a h igher mortality level than those reared on the diet containing 5% grou nd bark. Weevil females fed the diet containing 5% ground bark were si gnificantly heavier than those reared on the diet with 1% ground bark. Insect development times did not differ significantly between the two concentrations of ground bark. Adults exposed to a natural substrate were stimulated to oviposit, and viable eggs were laid.