PLANT PROTECTION 1 – Pests, Diseases and Weeds

PLANT PROTECTION 1 – Pests, Diseases and Weeds
NO. SPECIES
IN AUSTRALIA
SOME
DISTINCTIVE
FEATURES
Elytra enable them
expand into habitats
which could damage
unprotected wings
LIFE CYCLE
ORDER COLEOPTERA
Beetles, weevils
More than 28,000 named species in Australia. There are more than 6000
species of native weevils in Australia. The Coleoptera is by far the largest
order of insects both in Australia and world wide and has more plant feeders
than any other order. Many species are predatory and feed on other insects.
Rhinoceros, flower and other beetles are kept as pets.
www.ento.csiro.au/education/insects/coleoptera.html
ADULT Body 1. Hard and compact (with exceptions).
2. Prothorax often appears separated from the other
2 parts of the thorax.
3. Many beetles are brilliantly colored and are of
various shapes and sizes.
Wings 1. Usually 2 pairs.
2. Forewings hardened into hard wing covers (elytra)
which are not used in flight.
3. Hindwings gauzy and used in flight. They are
neatly tucked under wing covers when not in use.
Mouth Chewing mouthparts.
Antennae Usually well developed and conspicuous.
Eyes Compound eyes.
LARVA Legs 1. No prolegs (abdominal legs).
2. Commonly 3 pairs thoracic legs (long or short) each
pair ending in 1-2 claws, eg scarab grubs.
3. Some are entirely legless, eg longicorn beetle larvae.
Head Always distinct, usually dark colored, bearing
definite but minute antennae.
Mouth Chewing mouthparts.
There is a complete metamorphosis (egg, larva (grub, curl grub, scarab
grub, wireworm, mealworm, borer), pupa and adult. Life cycles vary in
duration and location.
Christmas
beetle
Many
variations
METHOD OF
FEEDING
ADULT
LARVA
Biting and chewing mouthparts, usually well developed. Many feed
on plant material, nectar or are predators, some do not feed at all.
Biting and chewing mouthparts, usually well developed.
98 Insects and allied pests - Coleoptera (beetles, weevils)