Observations on flight and feeding activity of adult costeiytra zealandica (white) (col.,scarabaeidae) in nelson province

A considerable proportion of the adult Costelytra zealandica population of infested pastures was observed feeding on pasture foliage for up to 7 hr after the flight period at dusk. Females were predominant (76%) and fed preferentially on clovers. A small proportion of the population consisting of older beetles (21% female) made flights of up to 400 m away from the infested area. Orientation was apparently toward the highest silhouette on their horizon, and the beetles landed on deciduous trees and shrubs in their path. Willow foliage was preferred to elder, peach. and birch, and pine foliage was avoided. After several hours' feeding the beetles entered the ground under the trees. None were seen rc.urning to the pasture, although attempts at flight were observed at dawn.