Spermologus rufus Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an insect which attacks cacao nuts, oleaginous pits and Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) Kuntze seeds. In this study the reproductive behavior of S. rufus was investigated to provide useful knowledge to support control measures of this insect. Research was carried out under laboratory conditions. Twenty-two couples of newly emerged adults were individualized in Wheaton flasks containing A. angustifolia seeds for oviposition and feeding. Mating was observed every day until the insects died. Females oviposited in the seeds; 80.4% of these seeds had only one egg. Eggs were mostly found in the median and more enlarged region of the seed and at the insertion point. Pre-oviposition period was, on average, 11.1±7.5 days and the oviposition period lasted 118.1±42.3 days. Most of the egg laying occurred between 0:00 and 8:00 am. Eggs were laid isolated and each female laid, on average, 146.7±43.9 eggs. After 60, 120 and 240 days after emergence, respectively, 80%, 90% and 10% of virgin females copulated and generated descendants, in relation to the control, where 90% copulated and generated descendants.
Insecta; courtship oviposition