Fecundity, Life span, Developmental periods and Pupal weight of Tenebrio molitor L.(Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

Two different feed(bran and swine feed) effect was tested on development of Tenebrio molitor at 25 ± 5 o C, 65 ± 10%RH. There was no significant feed effect on larval developmental periods(80.0~83.7 days), pupal length (18.1~18.7 mm) and fecundity(44.3~55.3 eggs) during first two days. However, fecundity was significantly affected by the pupal weight(P < 0.05), such that the number of eggs 172.3, 191.2, 215.0 gradually increased as pupal weight rose from 0.12 g, 0.15 g to 0.18 g, respectively. During the first two weeks of oviposition was 51.8%, which gradually decreased for further days. Longevity was 27.1 ± 6.9, 30.1 ± 7.8, 27.4 ± 8.5 days with increasing pupal weight of 0.12, 0.15, 0.18 g, respectively. Larval densities of 100, 300, 500 and 700 individuals reared in the container (16 × 21.5 × 7 cm) resulted 67.9% of the T. molitor pupation during first three weeks. Pupal weight was decreased 146.9 ± 6.5, 142.1 ± 8.3, 122.0 ± 9.6, 118.5 ± 5.2 mg when it was reared at different larval densities of 100, 300, 500 and 700 individuals, respectively in size of(16 × 21.5 × 7 cm) rearing container.

Effect of Styrofoam Waste Feeds on the Growth, Development and Fecundity of Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor)

“…Regarding the low number of eggs produced by mealworms fed PS foam, it seems a logical consequence of the low rate of growth and development of larvae, pupae and imago itself. As reported by Young-Kyu Park and colleagues, it was revealed that fecundity of T. molitor was significantly affected by the pupal weight (Park et al, 2012) and might also related to the adult weight (Morales-Ramos et al, 2012).…”

Co2 Effects on Larval Development and Genetics of Mealworm Beetle, Tenebrio Molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in Two Different Co2 Systems

“…According to Fiore (1960), the reproduction of T. molitor is very appropriate at their optimal temperature of about 25-27.5 °C. The total developmental time for this species is 80.0-83.7 days (Park et al, 2012). At a temperature of 25 °C, a decrease in humidity had no effect on adults, larvae or pupae of T. molitor, but it increased mortality at 10 °C (Punzo and Mutchmor, 1980).…”

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) rearing and growth optimization as a sustainable food source using various larval diets under laboratory conditions

“…Damborsky et al (2000) found that the average larval duration of mealworm was 203.3 days. Park et al (2012) found that the average length was 241.9 days at 25 °C, and a cabbage leaf was placed over the bran layer as a source of moisture. Ludwig (1976) the lowest death rate the diet included wheat bran.…”