Oriental beetles (Coleoptera : Scarabaeidae): Current distribution in the United States and optimization of monitoring traps

Cooperators in 20 states used traps baited with (Z)-7-tetradecen-2-one to d etermine the current distribution of oriental beetles in the United States. New areas where beetles were found include Cape Cod and central Massachuse tts (widespread), Delaware, (widespread), southeastern New Hampshire, North Carolina (around Asheville), Ohio (around Painesville on Lake Erie), Maryl and (widespread), New Jersey (widespread in blueberry plantings), and Virgi nia (around Richmond and Arlington). Studies on pheromone concentration and release methods showed that there was no significant difference in beetle captures between 1,000 mu g released from rubber septa and 3,000 mu g relea sed from polyethylene pellets. Significantly fewer beetles were caught in t raps baited with 10 or 100 mu g than in traps baited with 1,000 mu g releas ed from rubber septa or and 3,000 mu g released from polyethylene pellets. There was no significant difference in captures between Trece and Fuji trap designs where 3,000 mu g was released from polyethylene pellets in 7 out o f 8 comparisons. There was no significant difference in beetle captures whe re 100 or 1,000 mu g pheromone was released from rubber versus polyethylene septa. There was a significant Increase in beetle captures where the funne l rims of traps were placed at ground level versus 30 cm above ground level .