Larvae develop primarily in the crown region but can occasionally be found in the stem tissue. Research on an improved method to culture R. cruentatus has required the collection of a large number of eggs to produce neonate larvae for evaluation of diets. However, pineapple proved to be a difficult media to dissect for removal of eggs. Using apple slices, we reinvestigated the fecundity of R. cruentatus females and determined fertility. One male and one female were placed in a 500-ml covered plastic container with moistened tissue.
Females oviposit through the apple pulp and most eggs are found along the peel.
Apple slices were usually replaced every 1-3 days until female death. Slices removed from containers were carefully dissected and eggs were removed. Data were converted to the number of eggs laid per female per week. In addition, the total number of eggs laid per female was determined. During two of the tests, eggs removed from apple slices were placed in 15 x 100 mm plastic petri dishes lined with water-moistened filter paper, sealed with parafilm, and placed in the environmental chamber.