Synchronized Pupation in Starved and Fed Larvae of the Black Carpet Beetle1,2

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Abstract
Larvae of the black carpet beetle, Attagenus megatoma (F.) (Dermestidae), were isolated without nutrient medium at monthly intervals from 16 to 33 wk of age. During the starvation period, most of the isolated larvae had 1 starvation-induced larval molt within the 1st 5 wk. Although fresh weight losses approached 45% in some age classes, the starved larvae pupated synchronously with fed (control) larvae after isolation periods as long as 20 wk. The occurrence of a larval molt during starvation generally did not effect the rate of pupation, although molting increased the weight loss and resulted in substantially smaller pupae for both males and females. Two possible explanations for the synchronized pupation in starved and fed larvae of this dermestid are discussed : (1) events that trigger pupation may be programmed in larvae younger than 16 wk of age and (2) a pheromonal mechanism may be involved.