G. it. Ent., 5 (25): 95-101
August 31, 1990
Observations on the biology, host plants and immature stages
of Dihammus tincturatus Pascoe
(Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae)
in Papua New Guinea. Part 1. General biology and host plants
by
TREVOR J. HAWKESWOOD
Abstract - Observations on the biology and host plants of the tropical longicorn Dihammus tincturatus Pascoe (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Monochamini) are provided from recent field observations and collection from the East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. New larval host plants are recorded, viz. Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A. Juss.) Muell. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae), Plumeria acutifolia Poir. (Apocynaceae), Spathodea campanulata Beauv. (Bignoniaceae) and Ficus sp. (Moraceae). Other previously recorded larval hosts in Papua New Guinea include Araucaria cunninghamii Ait. ex D. Don (Araucariaceae), Anisoptera polyandra Bl. [= A. thurifera (Bl.) Bl.] (Dipterocarpaceae) and Pinus patula Schlecht. & Cham. (Pinaceae). These data indicate that D. tincturatus is polyphagous and has adapted to feed on the wood of a wide variety of tree species from non-related families. Some of the above-mentioned plant hosts, e.g. Plumeria acutifolia, Hevea brasiliensis and Spathodea campanulata are introduced plants to Papua New Guinea. In the Passam area, East Sepik Province, adults are nocturnal but in other areas of Papua New Guinea they may be diurnally active on leaves and fallen logs. The larvae appear to prefer the smaller diameter branches/stems of the host plants. All of the known host plants have either resin or latex in the wood/bark which are attractive to the adults and are probably the main energy/nutrient sources for the developing larvae.
