CUCURBITS :: MINOR :: PEST OF STEM BORING GREY BEETLE

8. Stem boring grey beetle: Apomecyna saltator (Cerambycidae: Coleoptera)
In South India, it attacks Coccinea vines, which die as a result.   Adult female is a white spotted greyish- brown longicorn beetle and the male is smaller and black. Eggs are laid singly on internodes below the bark.
Grubs bore into the long trailing stems at or near a node and tunnel inside. Adult beetles gnaw the leaf petioles and soft parts of the stem. A female lays 38- 52 eggs, which hatch in 5-7 days. There are six larval instars covered in 31-35 days. Pupal period lasts for seven to nine days. Total life cycle takes 80-98 days. Adult has a longevity period of 37-43 days.