Emergence of coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari), from infested coffee berries (Coffea arabica) was studied in the laboratory under controlled temperature and relative humidity (RH) regimes. Low humidities (<60% RH, 25°C) provoked rapid evacuation of adults. Emergence was at a minimum at 90% RH. A steady increase in emergence occurred at values from 90 to 100% RH. Emergence was low below 20°C (90 and 100% RH) and increased markedly between 20 and 25°C. There was no significant increase in emergence above 25°C. Using a simple flight event recorder, emergence flight times were found to peak at the time of maximum daily ambient temperatures on successive days. Under constant temperature conditions successive peaks of emergence were not seen. Results are discussed in relation to control and sampling procedures.

Mortality of the coffee berry borer was studied under controlled laboratory conditions in Tapachula, Mexico. For adult female borers subjected to a range of relative humidities (RH) without food at 25°C, the longest mean survival time (20 days) was obtained at 93.5% RH. Adult borer survival was also studied at a range of temperatures for a fixed relative humidity (93.5% RH); at 20°C mean survival time was 28 days. Fecundity and mortality of borer stages in berries was studied for a range of humidities at 25°C. Maximum fecundity was obtained at 90 and 93.5% RH. Immature stages were ejected from the berry at 84% RH and above, which is interpreted as a form of brood hygiene.