Bionomics of the Tamarix leaf beetle, Cryptocephalus sinaita moricei Pic, 1908 (Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae)

Cryptocephalus sinaita moricei Pic, 1908 is a phytophagous leaf-beetle, whose adults and larvae feed on Tamarix shoots and leaves. After mating, the fe­male oviposits and simultaneously covers each egg with dark anal secretion. Approximately half of the eggs are dropped beneath the tree, while the rest are ad­hered to the tree shoots. The larva constructs a case that apparently provides pro­tection from natural enemies. Developmental duration from the egg to adult takes three months under laboratory conditions at 25 ± 2 °C. In contrast to most congeners, C. s. moricei larvae can survive only on fresh shoots and leaves but not on de­caying ones. Accordingly, the ground-hatching larvae quickly locate a tree and climb up to the canopy to feed. When fully fed, the majority of larvae drop off the tree and pupate on the ground, whereas a minority pupate on the tree, at­taching themselves to twigs. Life history strategies, particularly regarding ovi­position, feeding and pupation, are discussed