Why Do Bean Beetles Avoid Split Beans? A Simple Extension of A Host Choice Experiment

 

Kenneth J. Harris, Lawrence S. Blumer, & Christopher W. Beck

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2013, Volume 34

Poster file:

Abstract

Bean beetles, Callosobruchus maculatus, show very distinct host preferences based on bean species, bean size, the potential for competition between larvae, and the condition of beans, whole or split. Permitting students to pursue the causes for beetle preference for whole beans is very easy and in this study led to the observation that relative humidity significantly influences the emergence success of beetles from split beans. Beetles prefer whole beans to improve emergence success under conditions of low humidity.

Keywords:  bean beetle, behavior

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2012)