Oviposition patterns in Steropus globosus (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

Abstract

Oviposition types observed in Steropus globosus Fab. (Coleoptera, Carabidae) are reported. Relationships between the oviposition pattern and the survival rates during the embryonic period and the first larval instar are analysed. As environmental variables may determine the oviposition pattern, the egg viability and the duration of the developmental states, oviposition and survival tests were rnade under environmental and controlled conditions. The oviposition rate varies individually and also during the egg-laying period. Significant differences between the oviposition patterns could be established when the egg morphology and their viability were analysed. Fluctuations in the amount of reproductive fernales are more connected with their physiological state than with the different reproductive strategies.