Influence of Temperature, Humidity and Photoperiod on Oviposition and Larval Development in Trogoderma granarium EVERTS(Coleoptera:Dermestidae)

Abstract

Newly emerged adults and first instar larvae of Trogoderma granarium EVERTS were exposed to various temperature-humidity and temperature-photoperiod combinations to determine their effects on oviposition and developmental period. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the number of eggs laid at different temperature-humidity combinations. As temperature increased from 27°C to 35°C, the number of eggs oviposited showed little variation. The developmental period of larvae was prolonged at lower humidities. Oviposition was influenced by photoperiods at every temperature. At 35°Cand 27°C, oviposition occurred at all photoperiods. Fecundity increased as the temperature-photoperiod regimens increased. The developmental period of larvae was prolonged as the photoperiod decreased at 20°C and 27°C. At 35°C, there was no effect of the photoperiod on the developmental period.