Studies on the ecology of the bright blue hister beetle, Saprinus speciosus Erichson (Coleoptera:histeridae). I. Seasonal fluctuation and diurnal activity of adults attracted to putrid flesh trap.

Abstract

Adults of S. speciosus Erichson flew continually to the trap with chicken liver from May to Oct., and the number of adults caught by the trap became maximum in summer. The flying activity of adults was done at temperature > 19.degree.C, and it was reduced by the rainfall. Most of adults were active in the daytime, the number of adults caught by the trap became maximum after 4 days since chicken liver was placed. At this time, maggots of fly, the prey of the histerid, have already grown up to the final instar. The larvae of the histerid have only 2 instars and this shortened developmental period, .apprx. 10 days, coincides well with the rapid development of prey maggots.