Observations on the biology of Lycts Brunneus (Steph.)

Abstract

An account is given of certain aspects of the biology of Lyctus brunneus (Steph.). Female beetles are able to oviposit within 24 hr. after emerging from infested timber and deposit an average of more than 70 eggs per female over a period of 1-2 weeks. Eggs are deposited at depths of 1.0-6.5 mm. in the wood vessels, preferentially from a transverse surface, but also through radial and tangential faces. The incubation period of the eggs ranges from about 1 week at 26°C, to 3 weeks at 15°C. The egg-adult developmental period ranges from 4 months at 26°C. to 16 months or more at 15°C. Under optimal conditions of temperature, relative humidity (and hence wood moisture content), and nutrition, the life cycle may be as short as 2 months. The sex ratio of L. brunneus is 1 : 1 and the adult beetles live from 2.5 to 7 weeks, depending upon the temperature, females being somewhat longer-lived than males. The larvae of L. brunneus are somewhat more resistant to heat treatment than are the eggs, but one 1/2hr. exposure to 50°C. is completely lethal to both stages.