The Korea National Arboretum is developing a new breeding method that accelerates the metamorphic process of the longhorn beetle, reducing it to one third of the standard time.
The reproduction rate of the endangered longhorn beetle, Callipogon relictus, has been sped up by a new breeding method, making it possible to rapidly increase the declining beetle population.
Callipogon relictus is a species of longhorn beetle found mostly in Asia, Europe and Northern Africa. In Asia, it inhabits forests in northeastern Manchuria, the region around Vladivostok and central regions of the Korean Peninsula. In Korea specifically, the beetle used to be found in Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces, but it has become virtually extinct over recent years.
In 2011, the Korea National Arboretum began conducting research into the breeding patterns of the longhorn beetle to establish a method of systematically restoring the species to health. Research was carried out at the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, at the Institute of Zoology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and at the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
In 2014, the arboretum imported one male and two female longhorn beetles from China. These beetles mated and laid eggs, and after 16 months, four adult longhorn beetles matured. Using controlled breeding methods, the scientists were able to accelerate the metamorphic process of the beetles by 28 months.
The metamorphic cycle of the longhorn beetle goes from: egg (top left), larva (top right), pupa (bottom left) and, finally, adult beetle (bottom right).
The scientists essentially reduced the metamorphic process of the beetle to one third of the standard cycle. They also established a stable breeding system for the beetle, from the egg stage through to the adult stage. This new method of systematic breeding, as well as improvements in the manufacturing of artificial beetle food, is promising news for the future of the species.
If scientists are able to increase the population of longhorn beetles, they will be able to conduct extensive research into the unique characteristics of the species. The research will offer insights into the beetle’s preferred natural habitat, the definition of traits in their spawn, and the flight range of adult longhorn beetles.
By Lee Hana
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Korea National Arboretum
hlee10@korea.kr
