OVIPOSITION BEHAVIOR OF MONOCHAMUS-CAROLINENSIS (COLEOPTERA, CERAMBYCIDAE) INFESTED WITH THE PINEWOOD NEMATODE

The mating behaviors of female and male Monochamus carolinensis (Oliver) as well as the oviposition behavior of females were observed. Oviposition behavior consisted of four parts: excavation of the oviposition wound with the mandibles, a 180-degrees body turn, insertion of the ovipositor, and egg deposition. The duration of the wound excavation behavior increased with greater bark thickness. The duration of the ovipositor insertion behavior was longer when an egg was deposited. One hundred eighteen females were observed to determine the effects of age and pinewood nematode infestation on oviposition behavior. Age of the beetles did not influence the number of oviposition wounds excavated, but older females had a higher frequency of egg deposition. The presence of nematodes did not affect oviposition behavior.