Effect of temperature at fixed relative humidity in fecundity and development of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)

Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine fecundity and development of red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) over a series of constant temperatures. Larval and pupal forms of T. castaneum were kept at four different temperatures 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C at fixed relative humidity (60±5%) RH. The larval duration was minimum and per cent pupation was maximum at 30 °C. Similarly minimum pupation period and maximum adult emergence was also recorded at 30 °C. At 20 °C developmental activities of larvae and pupa both ceased and at 35 °C, it retarded significantly.