Oviposition behavior ofNeodiprion fulviceps (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae) on ponderosa pine

Basic information on oviposition behavior of Neodiprion fulvicepsis presented. We present evidence which suggests that adults possess circadian rhythms for emergence and female oviposition activity. A behavioral catalog was developed and it was found that females, while inactive, spend 54% of their time oriented basally on needles and, while active, 18% of their time walking up and down needles. A description of the oviposition sequence and time spent in each step is presented. It was determined that females spend a significantly longer time cutting the first egg pocket than successive egg pockets. We also present evidence of an oviposition deterrent factor.