Survival of Overwintering Alfalfa Weevil Eggs in Pennsylvania1

Studies were conducted on the survival of overwintering eggs of Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) in 3 Pennsylvania counties during the winters of 1965 and 1966. Egg samples taken at monthly intervals during the winter were held until hatching occurred, and the percent viability was then computed. These studies indicated a decreasing viability as winter progressed. Egg viability was high in January and very low in March. Appreciable differences were found also in the percent hatch when 2 extraction methods were compared. It was apparent that overwintering eggs contributed only a small percentage to the spring larval population.