FLIGHT BEHAVIOR AND SEASONAL TRAPPING OF RHYNCHOPHORUS-CRUENTATUS (COLEOPTERA, CURCULIONIDAE)

Flight behavior, activity, and seasonal variation in capture of Rhynch ophorus cruentatus (F.) were investigated. Response of R. cruentatus t o traps baited with palm tissue was assessed at four locations in Flor ida over a 12- to 18-mo period. Capture of weevils varied by location and through time. Average temperature, the difference between high and low temperature, and total rainfall during trapping periods were not correlated with seasonal trends, but capture peaked in the spring foll owing rise in temperature. Preflight behaviors of R. cruentatus were c onsistent for all weevils tested. Weevils preparing for flight first w ipe their rostrum with the prothoracic legs, pump their pygidium, lift their elytra, and extend their wings. Just before flight, weevils rai se the mesothoracic legs above the pronotum. Weevils preparing for a s ubsequent flight frequently skip the first two preflight events. Studi es of flight activity in the laboratory indicate that time of day and feeding status of weevils had no effect on flight. However, flight act ivity increased with temperature and reduced relative humidity.