Prolonged Larval Development in Buprestis aurulenta L. (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). A Review with New Cases1

Abstract

Buprestis aurulenta L. does not belong to the dead-wood attacking group of species, but strongly prefers unseasoned, unhealthy, and especially injured materials for oviposition. There are innate differences in rate of development amongst individuals of the same brood; some have short rates of development, and others prolonged development, under the same environmental conditions. Instances of development extending 20 years in natural materials and to 30 years in buildings are well authenticated. Thirty-two new cases are presented, extending the duration to 51 years in one case, with 34.3 per cent of the total cases between 26 and 51 years. Those who have proposed that structures become directly infested have been unaware of the innate capability of the species for prolonged development. Finally, it is clear that the terms delayed emergence and retarded development, as used by several authors, are not really meaningful in the light of variability of development rates within broods. Amongst the new records listed are several with coeval larvae and adults. © 1962, Entomological Society of Canada. All rights reserved.