The effect of three species of Eucalyptus on growth and fecundity of the Eucalyptus snout beetle (Gonipterus scutellatus)

Summary The Eucalyptus snout beetle, Gonipterus scutellatus, was first detected in NW Spain in 1991, in the area with the largest European eucalypt plantations. Feeding preferences in the field and the effect of three species of Eucalyptus on larval development, survival, and adult fertility were studied. It was estimated that individuals of G. scutellatus consume 1.2‐1.7 g of fresh biomass in Eucalyptus cinerea and E. globulus during their development. Diet had a significant effect on larval survival and rate of development, the least suitable tree species being E. obliqua. Nevertheless, females fed with these eucalypt species or with an alternated diet containing all three eucalypts, did not produce significantly different numbers of larvae. In the field, G. scutellatus showed a marked preference for E. globulus, E. longifolia, E. grandis and E. propinqua, and completely avoided other species.