On the biology of Mecas saturnina and Nupserha antennata, Cerambycid Beetles associated with Xanthium species.

Abstract

The cerambycid beetles M. saturnina Le Conte and N. antennata Gahan have been studied in Australia with a view to their introduction for the control of the important weed X. pungens. An account of the general morphology and biology of the species is given. The effects of various conditions of temperature and humidity on the further development of the diapausing larvae have been investigated.