Studies on field biology of the blister beetle, Meloe proscarabaeus L. (Coleoptera: Meloeidae) in faba bean fields at El-Farfra oasis, Egypt [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The blister beetle, Melae prascarabaeus L.. recorded a pest attacking faba bean was detected for the first time in EI-Farafra oasis. New-Valley governorate (Egypt) in 2002. The life cycle and phenology of M. prascarabaeus were studied during two successive seasons (2004 & 2005) in faba bean fields. The pest develops one generation per year. Beetle emergence lasted from mid•November to the last week of March with adult peak on the end of January. Oviposition was detected from• early January to the last week of the same month. Female laid 1998 - 2291 eggs (av. 2098 eggs) in the soil. Larval development is hypennetarnorphic. with three distinct phases and seven larval instars. First and second instar larvae (triungulins) were recorded anached on faba bean leaves from Febmary to March. Fully fed 5th instar larvae were showed excavated chambers in tile soil. Seventh instar larvae go into aestivation in the soil from May to October (137 - 146 days). Pupal stage lasted 63.9 days and beetles emergence was recorded on mid-November. Developmental time from egg to adult emergence averaged 309.6 days. Location. mating and oviposition habits were illustrated and discussed.

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