Physiological development and dispersal ability of newly emerged Monochamus galloprovincialis

Abstract

Novel associations between exotic pathogens and native insects may result in major ecological and economical losses. In Europe, Monochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is the only known vector of the exotic pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner & Buhrer) Nickle (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae), the causal agent of pine wilt disease (PWD). Transportation of goods containing nematode-infested beetles is the main pathway for the spread of the disease. In this scenario, management actions involving early detection and eradication are critical to stop further spread by the vector. Although dispersal of mature M.galloprovincialis has been successfully tracked using commercial baits and traps, dispersal ability of immature individuals is poorly understood. Sexual maturation and other physiological traits related to dispersal were studied for newly emerged M.galloprovincialis after different shoot-feeding spans. Sexual maturation was complete after on average 12 (males) or 13 (females) feeding days. Monochamus galloprovincialis adults emerged with an average of 10% lipid and 23.8% (males) or 29.9% (females) pterothorax muscle content, and these percentages did not change significantly during shoot feeding. Microtomography images of wing muscle structures at different maturation stages confirmed these results. Emerged adults that were kept unfed survived an average of 12days in the lab. The ability of unfed immature insects to fly through hostless terrain was studied by marking and releasing newly emerged insects from a crop area located up to 3km away from two small pine stands. The longest flown distance recorded was 2km. Fitted regressions indicated that immature insects could have travelled up to 3109m to reach the experimental stands. We found that M.galloprovincialis emerge with well-developed thoracic muscles and energy reserves that enable them to sustain long flights over non-forested areas. These findings should aid managers and policy makers in devising sound procedures in areas where the risk of introducing PWD is high.

Keywords

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus; pine wilt disease; flight; survival; lipid content; wing muscles; micro-CT; gonad evolution; sexual maturation; Coleoptera; Cerambycidae; nematode vector

Published in

Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata
2016, volume: 161, number: 2, pages: 141-151
Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL

SLU Authors

• Echeveste, Iñaki

  • Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • University of Valladolid

Associated SLU-program

SLU Plant Protection Network

UKÄ Subject classification

Zoology
Ecology

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.12497

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/82661