Aestivation of the Alfalfa Weevil1

Abstract

Since the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica (Gyll.)) was discovered in the Eastern States, there have been conflicting reports on the number of generations per year and its summer activity in general. Extensive sampling during the summer showed that most of the adults were in surface litter and soil under trees, hedge rows, and fence rows bordering alfalfa fields. The exodus from the fields may be in response to high temperature. There is probably not more than one generation in a season. The small numbers of immature stages sometimes found in the summer appear to be the progeny of overwintered adults.