Biology of the Plum Curculio in Maine

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Abstract
This study of Conotrachelus nenuphar was made near the n.-e. limit of its distr. In hibernation cages covered with 24 inches of hay, over a 7-yr. period, from 0.4 to 30.7%, an avg. of 12.4%, survived the winter. The occurrence of sub-avg. monthly mean min. temps. during Dec.-Feb. and sub-avg. precipitation during Jan.-March was associated with sub-avg. survival. Emergence from hibernation began 41-20 days before petal-fall of McIntosh apples and continued for 16-69 days. The overwintered beetles began to appear in the trees in considerable numbers about 3 days before petal-fall, just as the daily mean temps. reached 60[degree]F, and continued to occur in the trees through June, but declined rapidly during July. Oviposition began between 6 and 12 days after petal-fall, reached a peak 36-41 days after petal-fall, and continued through a period of 55-62 days. There was evident correlation between increased temp. and increased rate of oviposition. Mature larvae began leaving the apples 34-41 days after petal-fall, and continued during a period of 32-68 days. Rainfall had striking effect in stimulating the larvae to leave the apples. The summer brood of beetles began to emerge 67-83 days after petal-fall and continued to emerge for 36-85 days. They promptly appeared in the apple trees and fed upon the fruit before entering hibernation.

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