Influence of temperature and diet on the development of Ulomoides dermestoides (Fairmaire, 1893) (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Diaperinae)

Abstract

Ulomoides dermestoides (Fairmaire, 1893) develops in stored food products (peanuts, maize, oats, rice, sorghum, etc.) and breeds successfully in the laboratory. To determine the best conditions for development, experiments were set up in different temperatures and diets, similar to storage conditions of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.). The higher viability of individuals and the shorter developmental time were observed in the diet composed of hulls and seeds of fruits at 21 and 24º C.

Introduction of Ulomoides Dermestoides (Chevrolat, 1878) (Coleoptera) to North Macedonia: Unveiling the First Human-Induced Record of a Novel Species – Short Communication

“…In its native range this species is typically found in warm and humid environments, such as tropical and subtropical forests, but it is able to thrive in areas with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 o C and relative humidity above 50% (Marinoni & Ribeiro-Costa, 2001;Garcés Molina et al, 2009). Given that the climate of North Macedonia, with annual average temperature 15 o C and humidity around 70% (Lazarevski, 1993), partially matches the climatic preferences of this species, climatic conditions are not anticipated to restrict the distribution of U. dermestoides.…”

“…dermestoides is widely used as a traditional medicine in the countries of South-East Asia, Africa, Australia, and particularly in Latin America. There are many scientific papers related to their breeding behavior, biology and life cycle (Garcés Molina et al, 2009;Marinoni & Ribeiro-Costa 2001;Morillo-Garcia et al 2016), as well as the effects caused by the beetle diet and their usage in traditional medicine (Aguilar-Toalá et al, 2022;Deyrup et al, 2021;Jasso-Villagomez et al, 2018). That is the main reason for its introduction in other countries of the world, including our country.…”