Title

Behavior Patterns of the Adult Alfalfa Weevil in Cache Valley, Utah

Author

J. Wanless Southwick

Date of Award:

5-1966

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Ecology

Department name when degree awarded

Entomology

Advisor/Chair:

Donald W. Davis

Abstract

The alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), was first found in the United States in Salt Lake City, Utah, during 1904 (Titus, 1910b). It spread form this point of original introduction and partially infested Cache Valley by 1912 (Titus, 1913).

The alfalfa weevil has become one of the more important insect problems currently affecting American agriculture. Recently, this problem has attracted national attention because of the development of resistance to insecticides by the alfalfa weevil, the outlawing of certain pesticides for use on forage crops and the rapid spread of the alfalfa weevil to new areas.

With this increased attention, many discrepancies have appeared in different reports of the alfalfa weevil's biology. The results of studies in the eastern United States often do not agree with those of studies which were made in Utah and vicinity during the early part of this century. In order to investigate the discrepancies or differences, and to determine the behavior patterns of the alfalfa weevil in Cache Valley, this study was undertaken. It was conducted from June, 1965 to August, 1966.

The main topics investigated were the adult alfalfa weevil's flight activities, reproduction, daily field activities, seasonal history including diapause, and respiration under controlled conditions.

Recommended Citation

Southwick, J. Wanless, "Behavior Patterns of the Adult Alfalfa Weevil in Cache Valley, Utah" (1966). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 2869.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/2869