Seasonal history ofOrthotomicus erosus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in Israel

Observations on the seasonal history ofOrthotomicus erosus (Wollaston) (Coleop-tera: Scolytidae) were conducted on trap-logs within pine plantations in Israel. Seven annual generations were observed in the coastal plain. The average development period from the entrance of the parents into the host until the emergence of the brood was 60 days in spring, 30 days in summer, 66 days in autumn, and 75 days in winter. Data are presented on duration of the colonization process, parent activity within the host, brood development and brood emergence. To overwinter,O. erosus aggregates on unused bark portions of the breeding host, or on pines, usually with a smooth thin bark, affected by other borers. Overwintering occurred between mid-October and February.O. erosus does not mate before emergence. Mating occurs not only in the nuptial chamber but also during maturation feeding and the overwintering period.