Zeitschrift für Biodiversität und gefährdete Arten

Biology of Elm Leaf Beetles Xanthogaleruca luteola (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Kurdistan Region-Iraq

Abstract

Rebwar A. Mustafa

Recently, Elm Leaf Beetle Xanthogaleruca luteola (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) has been recorded as new species in the Kurdistan region-Iraq, which is one of the most important pests on Elm and feeds on the leaves in either larval or adult stages. The biological study of the Elm Leaf Beetle Xanthogaleruca luteola (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) regarding lifecycle and behavior, was conducted in Halabja city, Kurdistan Region-Iraq. Elm Leaf Beetle Xanthogaleruca luteola adults were collected from the Elm host trees Ulmus glabra (Ulmaceae) in Halabja city in 2015 and 2016. The life cycle of Elm leaf Beetle was studied under laboratory condition (25âÂ?Â? and 60 RH), the means of the incubation period, developmental time of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd larval instars were 2.11 ± 0.02, 4.21 ± 0.09, and 6.01 ± 0.0 1 days, respectively. The mean of a pupal period in the soil and under flurried leaves was 11.00 ± 0.03 days. Means of pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods were 10.42 ± 1.2, 7.78 ± 0.4 and 2.4 ± 0.2 days, respectively. The female and male longevity in rearing was 20.6 ± 0.3 and 21.04 ± 1.2 days, respectively. The mean number of eggs per adult was 78.79 ± 5.3. Overall, the total larval stage period was 18-30 days depending on temperature and humidity. Total larval stage period 18-30 days depending on temperature and humidity, the total period life cycle was 35-50 days. In this study, three generations were recorded per year either in the field and laboratory. Moreover, adults of Elm Leaf Beetle hibernate in the under fallen leaves or soil cracks or tree bark, same places where larvae molting.