The influence of soil type and humidity on oviposition preference of Diabrotica speciosa (Germar, 1824) was studied in free-choice test design in laboratory maintained at 25 ± 2°C, 60 ± 10% RH and 14 hr photophase. There was a strong preference of the females to lay eggs in organic and dark soils (Terra Roxa Estruturada Distrófica). A larger number of eggs were laid in wet soils (26 to 63% humidity) compared to dry ones (22 to 24% humidity).
Insecta; reproduction; soil moisture
