Spatial Distribution and Flight Patterns of Two Grain Storage Insect Pests, Rhyzopertha dominica (Bostrichidae) and Tribolium castaneum (Tenebrionidae): Implications for Pest Management

Abstract

The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica, and the rust red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, are two major beetle pests commonly found infesting stored products worldwide. Both species can cause severe economic damage and their management is complicated by their potential to develop resistance to several of the limited chemical options available. However, pest management strategies can be improved by understanding the ecology of the pest insect. To determine the spatiotemporal activity of R. dominica and T. castaneum, we conducted a trapping study over two years in a temperate region of south-eastern Australia, with traps located near grain storages and fields. We captured higher numbers of R. dominica than T. castaneum, and both species were more prevalent in traps located close to grain storages. Similar and consistent seasonal patterns were displayed by both species with activity ceasing during the winter (June–August) months. We found linear correlations between maximum daily temperatures and trap catches, and minimum threshold temperatures for flight activity were 14.5 °C and 15.6 °C for R. dominica and T. castaneum, respectively. The results are discussed in relation to the ecology of these pests along with their implications for pest management.

Density‐dependent within‐patch movement behavior of two competing species

“…Therefore, the expectation is that T. castaneum would have a higher emigration rate (via walking) than T. confusum , which was supported by several (Dallas et al., 2020; Krivchenia et al., 2023; Ziegler, 1978) but not all (Ogden, 1970b) mesocosm studies. In the field, where monitoring of the dispersal of stored‐grain pests is conducted using pheromone‐baited traps, flight‐capable T. castaneum can disperse on the order of kilometers, much farther than the non‐flying T. confusum (Daglish et al., 2017; Holloway et al., 2020; Park, 1934; Ridley et al., 2011). In the future, an experimental study similar to the design of Turchin and Thoeny (1993) for the southern pine beetle could be used to assess whether redistribution of Tribolium at large scales can be described by diffusion models.…”

Lower dose of plant substance more effective in repelling <i>Rhyzopertha dominica</i> F . (Coleoptera, Bostrichidae) and <i>Sitophilus granarius</i> L. (Coleoptera, Dryophthoridae)

“…Rhyzopertha dominica F. (Coleoptera, Bostrichidae), the lesser grain borer, and Sitophilus granarius L. (Coleoptera, Dryophthoridae) grain weevil, are among the most dangerous species of primary pests that destroy grains [1][2][3][4]. These pests are widely distributed worldwide.…”

“…They most often attack cereals: rice, wheat, maize, rye, triticale, barley, oats, buckwheat, sorghum, millet and grain products. Sitophilus granarius less frequently eat other plant materials, such as: seeds of oilseeds and legumes, acorns, chestnuts [3,6]. On the other hand, R dominica also attacks the seeds of chickpeas, peas, beans and dried fruit, vegetables, herbs, as well as cork, wood and paper products [5,7,8].…”