Trichoferus roridus (Brullé, 1838) seems to be very frequent in whole „Corona forestal“ (belt of pine woods all around El Teide massif). Many old galeries and exit holes were observed in moribund, partly or totally dead shrubs of Adenocarpus viscosus (Fabaceae) on several different localities in altitudes of 1500 – 2000 m. Development of several subsequental generations was recorded in older shrubs with thicker trunks and branches, what finally may cause death of part, or even of the whole plant. Younger plant can die already after being attacked by one larva. On locality near „Paisaje Lunar“, NE Vilaflor, acording to many old exit holes, another host plant - Chamaecytisus proliferus – was frequently used for development.
This species attacks living shrubs (bionomics is very similar to Trichoferus spartii). If the larval galery is in thinner branch, it may cause death of this part of the plant, if the development take place in thicker parts, the attacked plant seems absolutely sound. Very often the larva expells coarse sawdust through wide opening in the bark. When the root system is finally attacked, the plant slowly dies off. The pupal cell is created in the center of the stem, adult emerges through prepared exit hole, filled with frass, covered by thin layer of the bark.
Adults were reared from praepupae, pupation under laboratory conditions (constant temperature 25°C) in May 2010.
Canary Islands - Tenerife
Bosque de la Esperanza, "El Diablillo", 10 km SE Puerto de la Cruz
1600 m.
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