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Observations on the biology of the bluegrass billbug, Sphenophorus parvulus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in a eastern Nebraska sod field
The biology of the bluegrass billbug, Sphenophorus parvulus Gyllenhal, was studied for two years at an infested turfgrass field in eastern Nebraska planted with Kentucky bluegrass, Poa pratensis L. Observations were made throughout the year, and life stages were saved for measurement, to monitor inc...
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Published in: | Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 1986-01, Vol.59 (1), p.26-31 |
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Main Authors: | , |
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | The biology of the bluegrass billbug, Sphenophorus parvulus Gyllenhal, was studied for two years at an infested turfgrass field in eastern Nebraska planted with Kentucky bluegrass, Poa pratensis L. Observations were made throughout the year, and life stages were saved for measurement, to monitor incubation periods, or for internal examination. Billbugs were univoltine at the study site. Adults became active in April, mated, laid eggs, and died as new adults appeared in August. Highest densities of eggs were found in the greenest, thickest bluegrass available. Adults were usually found above ground in dense areas with a thick thatch layer, which apparently offered shade and protection. Overwintering was accomplished by adults burying themselves in the topsoil. An unidentified larval dipteran parasite was found inside some adult billbugs, with peak numbers occurring in late July in 1980 and mid-June 1981. |
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ISSN: | 0022-8567 1937-2353 |