NOTES ON THE LIFE HISTORY AND HABITS OF THE RED-BACKED SAWFLY, ERIOCAMPA OVATA (HYMENOPTERA: TENTHREDINIDAE)

Abstract

Techniques for successfully rearing an alder sawfly, Eriocampa ovata (L.), are reported, along with measurements of several developmental and reproductive characteristics, and observations on the insect’s behavior and ecology. Individuals with 7 instars, and those which ultimately diapause, had longer larval stages than individuals with only 6 instars, or those which were diapause-free. There was more diapause in low than in high humidities. As the summer progressed, the length of the larval stage decreased in laboratory-reared individuals, but the length of the cocoon stage of the same individuals increased. Total leaf consumption per individual varied with rearing density, being greatest in groups of 10 larvae per leaf.