Daily activity and flight behaviour of adults of Capnodis tenebrionis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of seven different temperatures and wind speed at different times of the day on the movement and feeding activity of the buprestid beetle Capnodis tenebrionis. Field experiments in an apricot orchard recorded the flight activity of C. tenebrionis, with particular reference to the effect of temperature and wind. The experiments highlighted the marked response of movement, feeding and flight activity to increase in temperature. The optimal temperature for feeding, movement and flight was 30 deg C and above with negative effects occurring at 45 deg C. Flight generally occurred in the middle of the day. Wind had a negative effect on flight activity. Wind speeds in excess of 4 m/s prevented the insect from taking off. The spread of this phytophagous beetle from one orchard to another is unquestionably influenced by the daily activity and flight behaviour of the adult.