Evaluation of cereal flour and cereal products as a diet of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), the red flour beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

The red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) is a serious pest in stored foods, especially wheat flour and wheat products. The development rates of T. castaneum on wheat flour and wheat products, rice flour and rice products, and buckwheat products were investigated under laboratory conditions. We found that the next-generation individual number was high in groups fed wheat flour or rice flour, and low in those fed dried soba or dried udon noodles. The numbers of individuals of grown instar larvae (body length 6 mm or more) and pupae were high in groups fed wheat flour or rice flour, and low in those fed dried somen, dried udon, rice crackers, or dried soba. These results suggest that during the processing of wheat flour and rice flour products, ingredients that have an effect on beetle growth have been added, ingredients necessary for growth have been removed, or ingredient quality has been changed. It is also possible that the salt content in the feed might suppress beetle growth.