Martin, This buprestid & M. califonica are heat loving. They can be found in the heat of day alighted on and active on fresh ponderosa pine log decks. You will need a net and to be quick. Google "Melanophila acuminata" and see literature by Schmitz & Beckman, Vondran & Schmitz, and Evans (see following). Evans (Ecology 47:1061-1065,1966) demonstrated that these beetles can detect, infrared sources using paired receptors situated on the mesothorax near the coxal cavities and orientate towards the heat source. The structure of these receptors, are figured in Evans and Kuster (Can. Ent. 112:211-216,1980). Adults continue to be attracted to burned trees in the year following a fire. Be sure to be able to recognize M. acuminata once in hand. Mal Furniss Moscow, Idaho, USA From: Martin MacKenzie Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2010 7:12 PM To: rg70300-forent(a)lists.iufro.org Subject: [IUFRO RG 7.03 FORENT] Fw: Flight of Melanophila Folks, technology is not my strong point so I ask your forgiveness if I've sent this out twice. Yours, Dr. Martin MacKenzie, Forest Pathologist Southern Sierra Shared Service Area (209) 532 3671 ext 242 Stanislaus National Forest 19777 Greenley Road Sonora, CA 95370 qui docet discit ----- Forwarded by Martin MacKenzie/R5/USDAFS on 06/23/2010 07:10 PM ----- Martin MacKenzie/R5/USDAFS 06/23/2010 07:06 PM To mailman-owner(a)lists.iufro.org. cc Subject Flight of Melanophila A question for members of the FORENT network. Folks, this student of entomology has been reading about the IR sensing Melanophila acuminata and would like to go out and catch one. So here is my question does this species fly at night or in the daylight? Does anyone have trap data that could answer my question? As the insect does not need sunlight to detect IR, I assume it would be safer for it to fly at night. This amateur entomologist appreciates the past support he has had from all the professionals out there! Yours, Dr. Martin MacKenzie, Forest Pathologist Southern Sierra Shared Service Area (209) 532 3671 ext 242 Stanislaus National Forest 19777 Greenley Road Sonora, CA 95370 qui docet discit -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ IUFRO Mailing List To post a message to all list members, send email to: rg70300-forent(a)lists.iufro.org List info and Archive: http://www.iufro.org/science/iufro-mailing-lists/overview/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.829 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2959 - Release Date: 06/23/10 11:35:00