The effects of feeding and overwintering conditions on emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) energy reserves and flight performance

Abstract

The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is an invasive beetle from Asia that has been confirmed in 30 states as of July 2017. The spread of A. planipennis has been markedly slower in Minnesota than in other states. Cold winter temperatures are thought to be the primary factor for the slower spread. The goals of this study were to determine the role of adult feeding on A. planipennis energy reserves and flight capacity, as well as to elucidate any sub-lethal effects of winter conditions on A. planipennis flight capacity. In 2015 and 2016, adult A. planipennis were reared from infested green ash logs collected in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, MN. A separate experiment was conducted by collecting infested logs from St Paul, MN and stored in two locations during the winter of 2015-2016. Grand Rapids, MN, and St Paul, MN, to determine how winter conditions affect A. planipennis energy reserves and flight capacity. Adults were individually placed in cages and provided with fresh, lab-grown shamel ash (Fraxinus uhdei Wenzig) leaves on which to feed for 0-20 days before being flash frozen or flown on a custom flight mill for 24 hours under constant light. Beetles were subjected to nutrient analysis using either petroleum ether or colorimetric assays. Feeding treatments were compared for weight and lipid gain, flight velocity and total distance flown.