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Chinese Journal of Biological Control ›› 2021, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (2): 218-227.DOI: 10.16409/j.cnki.2095-039x.2020.06.001

• RESEARCH REPORTS • Previous Articles    

Biological Characteristics and Larval Population Dynamics of Rhoptroceros cyatheae in Chishui Guizhou

XU Dongshan1, YANG Weicheng1, WENG Tao2, HE Qinqin2, LIANG Sheng2, ZHANG Tingyue2   

  1. 1. School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University/Institute of Karst Caves, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China;
    2. Guizhou Chishui Alsophila National Nature Reserve Administration, Chishui 564700, China
  • Received:2020-04-02 Published:2021-04-14

Abstract: Rhoptroceros cyatheae, a known leaf-eating pest of Alsophila spinulosa, affects growth, development and reproduction of the host plant. The biological characteristics and occurrence dynamics of R. cyatheae were investigated and analyzed by means of artificial rearing, observation and field investigation. R. cyatheae occurs 4 generations annually in Chishui, overwinters as mature larvae for 5 months, and adult emergence begins in early April in the following year. Eggs are laid on the surface of curled leaves or newly stretched young leaves. Larvae mainly feed on the young leaves of A. spinulosa, and the population size of the 1st and 2nd generations is relatively large. The larvae molt four times, and there are five instars. Except for leaves of A. spinulosa, larvae of R. cyatheae feed also on the leaves of Alsophila metteniana. Vibrissina turrita was identified as the parasitic natural enemy of R. cyatheae. The larval population at Mentouxi, Jinsha Station, Foguangyan and Dashuigou 1 was higher than that at other sites and relatively stable, thus the four sites can serve as the monitoring areas for pest control of A. spinulosa. The biological characteristics and population dynamics of R. cyatheae clarified in this study can provide effective support for future investigation and pest control of A. spinulosa.

Key words: Alsophila spinulosa, Rhoptroceros cyatheae, biological characteristics, occurrence dynamics, parasitic natural enemy

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