Effect of NaCl for development of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

The effects of salt on larval growth in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) were examined by feeding wheat flour diets containing graduated concentration salt. Affer 30 days feeding tests, no adults were emerged including control group. The total numbers of immature individuals in the next generations were significantly low in the 4% and 8% salinity treatment groups compared to the 2% or below 2% treatment groups (p<0.05). Especially, a few numbers were developed to the late instars in concentration 4% or higher. In addition, groups containing salt 1% or higher inhibited pupal development strongly.