Rearing hylobius transversovittatus and cyphocleonus achetes larvae on artificial diets (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract

A new meridic diet was developed to support the development of 2 beneficial root-feeding weevils important for biological control of invasive weeds. Although this diet is already in use in multiple insectaries for mass production of H. transversovittatus, it and the associated rearing system have not been published. In addition to the primary purpose for the diet, it has been used to rear the red palm weevil, Rhynochophorus ferugineus Olive. Another potential use is for rearing of various root-feeding larvae of Coleoptera and Lepidoptera for biological control (M. Cristofaro, personal communication, E-mail: mcristofaro@casaccia. enea.it). The diet may support development of a number of other root and stem feeding insects.