Multiple oviposition by Apoderus balteatus (Coleoptera, Attelabidae) is associated with larger leaves

ABSTRACT.

• 1 The female weevil of Apoderus balteatus Roelofs cuts the leaf near its base in order to make a leaf-roll‘cradle', in which one, two or three eggs are laid. Cuts are always located about 5 mm from the leaf base, independent of leaf size.
• 2 Larger leaves are made into larger cradles.
• 3 Weevils tend to lay more eggs in large cradles.
• 4 Eggs are laid through different holes and separated by leaf layers in the cradle. Cannibalism by larvae will be prevented by this isolated oviposition.
• 5 Multiple oviposition of this weevil allows larger leaves to be used by multiple larvae. It facilitates more efficient use of larger leaves and economizes on female effort in cradle formation.