Survival and Development of Larvae of the Cereal Leaf Beetle, Oulema melanopa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), on Various Species of Gramineae1

In laboratory studies conducted during 2 winters, using 23 species of Gramineae and under 2 sets of environmental conditions, larvae of Oulema melanopa (L.) were transferred to the various food plants within 8 hr of eclosion and were observed for survival and development. Contrary to results reported by others, the cereal leaf beetle was found not to be polyphagous within the family Gramineae. Several plants, notably species of Setaria, Echinocloa, and Arundinaria, exhibited antibiosis. Generally, the small grains (oats, barley, wheat, spelt, and rye) were superior food plants. Some forage grasses were favorable, but usually the larval development on them was slower than on the small grains.