Biological traits of the red-necked longhorn beetle Aromia bungii (Faldermann) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

The red-neck longhorn beetle Aromia bungii (Faldermann) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is a xylophagous pest of stone fruit trees native to East Asia. The species was accidentally introduced in Italy (Campania Region) before 2010, but its presence was formalized only in 2012 following the record of massive infestations on numerous Prunus sp. trees. A. bungii attacks healthy plants, where the larvae bore galleries under bark, in the sapwood and heartwood of trunk and main branches, weakening the whole plant due to the interruption of the lymphatic flows. Field samplings conducted in collaboration with the Regional Phytosanitary Service, soon highlighted that A. bungii may represent a serious threat to stone fruit crops, and therefore the alien pest was first added to the EPPO Alert list and in 2014 to the EPPO A1 list. Due to the lack of reliable data about A. bungii biology, since 2015 laboratory studies were carried out to improve knowledge on life history and to program its adequate IPM. Different biological parameters such as the longevity of both sexes at two different temperatures and food supplies, ovigeny index, daily oviposition, realized fecundity and fertility were investigated. A possible correlation between body size and fecundity of females was assessed. The maximum longevity was reached by fed males at 20°C while starved females at 25°C showed the shortest life span. A. bungii had an ovigeny index of 0.6 showing its pro-ovigenic status and the oviposition period lasted up to two months. Females laid in average 450 eggs with hatching rate above 70%. The largest amount of eggs was laid during the first week after mating. No correlation body size/fecundity was found. Obtained results suggest that the high biotic potential of A. bungii can explain the establishment in short time of a harmful population in the outbreak area of southern Italy.