Comparative Studies on the Biologies of Six Species of Trogoderma: T. inclusum1, 2

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Abstract
Constant 35°C and a climate programmed at ݲ 32.2°C approached the upper limits for development of Trogoderma inclusum LeConte exposed to: (1) various constant conditions maintained within ±1.1°C and ±5% of the desired temperature and RH; and (2) programmed variable climates with temperatures fluctuating ±11.1°C around means (ݲ) of 32.2, 26.7, 21.1, and 15.6°C during each 24-h cycle, with RH varying as temperature changed. Larval development was retarded severely at constant 21.1° and ݲ 15.6°C. Differences in effects of constant 26.7°C, with 50% RH, and the ݲ 26.7°C programmed climate were negligible, but larvae developed faster at ݲ 21.1°C than at constant 21.1°C. Humidity effects varied with temperature. At the optimum temperature of 32.2°C, with 50% RH, eggs hatched in 5.2 days; larvae reared in groups required 36.8 days for males and 41.7 days for females from hatching to adult maturation; most larvae completed 5 and 6 molts before pupation of males and females, respectively; pupation and adult maturation was completed in 4.8 days for males and 4.7 days for females; the preoviposition period took 0.9 days; the oviposition period lasted 6.8 days; and an average of 84.8 larvae were produced from eggs laid by each fecund female. Decreases in temperature below the optimum resulted in slower development, reduced reproductive activity, and extended longevity of adults. Fertile eggs were laid only by mated females, and multiple matings were not required for a female to lay a full complement of eggs. Of 32 representative foods tested, pollen was the preferred host, followed by mixed animal feeds, processed grains, and several grocery commodities.

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