A Ground Phloem Medium for Rearing Immature Bark Beetles (Scolytidae)1

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Abstract
A ground phloem medium fortified with brewer's yeast was developed to rear the California five-spined ips, Ips confusus (LeConte), from egg to adult. The medium was applicable for 7 other scolytids. It can be sterilized and still remain acceptable. Low pH plus sodium benzoate adequately suppressed microorganism activity antagonistic to beetle development. Axenic adult beetles can be produced in axenic medium. The following variables (within the ranges tested) had no effect on beetle development in the medium: density of developing individuals, host tissue source and texture, and cold storage of eggs. The following variables affected development: temperature, starvation of larvae, moisture content of the medium, physical damage of larvae in handling, and egg quality as influenced by nematode parasitism of parent beetles.