LABORATORY REARING AND SOME ASPECTS OF THE BIOLOGY OF ARTIPUS-FLORIDANUS HORN (COLEOPTERA, CURCULIONIDAE)

Artipus floridanus Horn adults were reared in the laboratory for 4 years on citrus leaves. Newly-expanded leaves were preferred over mature leaves. Adult feeding was influenced by photoperiod; surface area leaf consumption per adult in total darkness was significantly greater than in a 12 h light/dark cycle, and in constant light. Survivorship of both mated and virgin females averaged 161 days. The ratio of female to male in a laboratory population was 6:4. Preoviposition period for mated and virgin females varied from 11-20 days and 15-27 days, respectively. Virgin females laid 50% fewer eggs in their life span than mated females. Egg viability per mated female was 80-85% during peak production; virgin females laid nonviable eggs. At 28@*C, eggs hatched in about 9 days, larval development to pupation on artificial diet averaged 45 days, and the pupal period lasted approximately 14-20 days. Total developmental time from egg to adult ranged from 70-120 days. Six larval instars were observed; molting occurred every 5-10 days. Survivorship of larvae and pupae on an artificial diet averaged 30%. The moisture content of the medium was critical to survival.