Characterization of the larval stages of Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) using head capsule width

Abstract

The mean width (n = 5) of the cephalic capsule instar of Alphitobius diaperinus was determined. The larvae were reared at 27ºC (+ 0.1ºC). The result showed that A. diaperinus has eight larval instars. The head capsule of the 1 st instar larvae measured x = 0.228 (SD = 0.0192) and the last instar larval measured x = 1.339 (SD = 0.0436). The developmental rate, determined by Dyar-Hutchinson's rule, was 1.29. These data may be useful for studies on phenology and age structure of A. diaperinus in the field.Key words: lesser mealworm, larval instars, cephalic capsule, caged layer manure. RESUMO Caracterização dos estádios larvais de Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera:Tenebrionidae) usando a largura da cápsula cefálica O valor médio da largura da cápsula cefálica de Alphitobius diaperinus foi verificado de acordo com seus estádios larvais, sendo medidos cinco indivíduos para cada estádio. O experimento foi conduzido em temperatura constante de 27ºC (+ 0,1ºC). Os resultados obtidos mostraram que as larvas atingem oito estádios, com média de 0,228 mm (SD = 0,0192) para a larva recém-eclodida, até 1,339 mm (SD = 0,0436) no 8 o estádio. Também foi observado que o fator de crescimento das larvas corresponde à regra de Dyar-Hutchinson, apresentando média de 1,29 para razões de crescimento ao longo do desenvolvimento. Esses dados poderão ser utilizados em estudos de fenologia e estruturação etária de populações de A. diaperinus no campo.Palavras-chave: cascudinho, ínstares larvais, cápsula cefálica, esterco de aves poedeiras.

Chemical composition, antimicromicrobial activity and insecticidal activity against the lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) of Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum (Link) and Artemisia dracunculus L. essential oils

“…Ten stage IV or VI larvae were placed in each container, fed ad libitum and kept in an incubator under the same conditions as the colony was maintained. The larval stages were determined based on the head capsule width . During the developmental period, body weight gain and survivability of the larvae were recorded at 1 week intervals.…”

Biological control of Alphitobius diaperinus with Steinernema rarum CUL and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora SMC and feasibility of application in rice hull

“…A. diaperinus were reared in plastic boxes containing chicken feed (Avigan Ò ) at 25°C at the Entomology Laboratory of the Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias (Universidad Nacional del Litoral). Fifth-and seventh-instar larvae (L5 and L7, respectively) were morphologically differentiated following the procedures described by Francisco and do Prado (2001). At the time of the experiments, L5, L7 and adults were approximately 26, 34 and 40 days old, respectively.…”

Improved Visualization ofAlphitobius diaperinus(Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)—Part II: Alimentary Canal Components and Measurements

“…The mean head capsule width of the late instars (n = 10) used in this study was 1.084 (± 0.013) mm and ranged from 0.960 to 1.320 mm; representing 7th to 9th instar. Barké and Davis [17] reported head capsule widths of 0.95, 1.08, and 1.28 mm, and Francisco and Prado [20] reported widths of 1.061, 1.208, and 1.339 mm for 7th, 8th, and 9th instars, respectively. Overall measurements of the alimentary canal and its sections resemble those reported by McAllister et al [13] for fully tanned adults and 8th-to 11th-instar larvae.…”