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

Ecological studies on the buprestid beetle Capnodis tenebrionis (Linnaeus, 1767) were carried out in the laboratory andthe field. In particular, attention focussed on the effects of seven different temperatures at different times during the day on themovement and feeding activity of this beetle. 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°C and abovewith negative effects occurring at 45°C. Flight generally occurred in the middle of the day. Wind had a negative effect on flightactivity. Wind speeds in excess of 4 m/s prevented the insect from taking off. The spread of this phytophagous beetle from oneorchard to another is unquestionably influenced by the daily activity and flight behaviour of the adult.