Behavior and Generation Dynamics of the White Pine Cone Beetle Conophthorus coniperda (Schwarz) in Central Wisconsin1

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Abstract
Estimates from 2 weekly analyses of its population density indicate there are relatively small decreases in populations of Conophthorus coniperda during the immature stadia. Sharp declines in density occur in the adult stage, nearly 50% of the insects disappearing from the habitat in autumn and more than 20% drowning in waterlogged cones as snow melts in spring. Hibernation is a temperature-controlled quiescence; insects quickly become active, fly, attack and oviposit in new host tissue, once returned to suitable temperatures. Adults have a relatively consistent sequential series of behavior patterns associated with dispersal, reproduction, and autolysis and regeneration of vertical thoracic wing muscles. They appear to prefer different host-tissue conditions for oviposition and for feeding. Controls for this beetle are briefly discussed, in terms of recommendations in the literature and our studies of both its biology and relationship with the food-plant.

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