Effect of temperature on the development of Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The developmental responses of insects to temperature are important considerations in gaining a better understanding of their ecology and life histories. Temperature dependent models permit examination of the effect of temperature on the geographical distributions, population dynamics, and management of insects. The measurements of insect developmental and survival responses to temperature pose practical challenges that depend. The developmental characteristics of A. diaperinus were investigated at four temperature regimes (20, 25, 30 and $35^{\circ}C$), a relative humidity of 60%, and a light:dark photoperiod of 16:8h. The developmental time from larva to adult was 129.0, 49.8, 40.5 and 31.9 days at temperatures of 20, 25, 30 and $35^{\circ}C$, respectively. Pupal rate was 80.0%, 100%, 83.3% and 91.7% at temperatures of 20, 25, 30 and 35 respectively. There is an increasing need for a standardized manual for rearing this. Pupa had significantly lower weights at $35^{\circ}C$ than at the other temperatures. Female pupae (20mg) were significantly heavier than male (17mg).