Document Type
Peer-Review Article
Abstract
Sirex nigricornis F. (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) is a pine-inhabiting woodwasp native to eastern North America. A non-native congener, S. noctilio F., was discovered along the southeastern shore of Lake Ontario in New York in 2004 and its current distribution now includes seven northeastern states, Ontario, and Quebec. Its discovery led to a sharp increase in research focusing on S. noctilio as well as S. nigricornis. Research on these two species, and their associates, requires efficient methods for field collection and laboratory rearing. Success of these programs relies on successful collection of, and oviposition by, live females in artificial conditions. Moisture content has been implicated as a key factor in determining host suitability for oviposition and development of Sirex, but an optimum moisture level for rearing has not been determined. We measured changes in moisture content along the length of shortleaf pine bolts over time. We exposed S. nigricornis mating pairs to ten replicates of three shortleaf pine bolts, each of which was cut and field-seasoned for 0, 15, and 30 days. Laboratory emergence was monitored and, after emergence ceased, oviposition preference was quantified among bolt ages and their associated moisture contents. Moisture content decreased over time, with the majority of moisture loss occurring at the ends of bolts. Females significantly preferred drilling in freshly cut bolts, however, successful development and emergence occurred only in 15-day-old bolts. Future studies incorporating laboratory rearing should keep bolts protected from wood-borers either outdoors, or in a humidity and temperature controlled room to mimic environmental conditions, for approximately 15 days prior to laboratory oviposition. These conditions will enable successful laboratory oviposition and development. A description of a novel live trapping method for collection of adult female S. nigricornis is provided.
Recommended Citation
Hartshorn, Jessica A.; Galligan, Larry D.; Lynn-Miller, Ace J.W.; and Stephen, Fred M.
2025.
"Sirex nigricornis (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) Oviposition Preference and Development in Relation to Host Age, and a Novel Live-Trapping System for Wood-Borers,"
The Great Lakes Entomologist, vol 49
(3)
: 173-183
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22543/0090-0222.2534
Available at:
https://scholar.valpo.edu/tgle/vol49/iss3/7
