Geographical Distribution of Cynaeus angustus (LeConte) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and its Association with Stored Products

Ecological Study of the Larger Black Flour Beetle in Cotton Gin Trash

“…For instance, large numbers of both larger black ßour beetle larvae and adult have been observed in the immediate interface between soil and gin trash underneath gin trash piles (P.P., unpublished data), so the soil environment may play a role, i.e., as pupation site, but no studies have been conducted to elucidate this aspect of their biology. The larger black ßour beetle is native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts of North America, where it has been found to be associated with decomposing yucca palms (Hatch 1940, Dunkel et al 1982. Thus, it is likely adapted to feed on fungal saprophytes under hot and arid conditions.…”

“…In recent years, the larger black ßour beetle has received considerable attention in local communities on the Southern High Plains by causing severe nuisance when emerging from gin trash piles and invading homes, schools, nursing homes, and businesses (Morrison and Dunkel 1983). The larger black ßour beetle is readily cultured on stored products (Krall 1942) and on standard diets used for stored grain insects (processed cereal products and brewersÕ yeast), and it is considered a pest in food processing facilities across North America (Barak et al 1981, Dunkel et al 1982, White et al 1990, Oppert et al 2006. Larger black ßour beetle breeds continuously under optimal temperature conditions (ϳ30ЊC), and development takes 46 Ð55 d under these conditions (Krall and Decker 1944).…”

Field Trial of Diatomaceous Earth in Cotton Gin Trash against the Larger Black Flour Beetle, <I>Cynaeus angustus</I> (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

“…The beetles are most often encountered in the bottom 1 m of the piles and at the soil surface immediately below the piles. These deep areas are presumably the most sheltered and retain a more humid environment, and the beetles seem to prefer a slightly humid environment (at least 15Ð17% RH; Krall 1942, Dunkel et al 1982, Morrison and Dunkel 1983. The next summer, adult beetles disperse, entering houses as far as 2 km from gin trash.…”

“…It is most often identiÞed as a pest of stored grain, but it also forms dense aggregations consisting of tens of thousands of individuals that enter homes, causing distress to homeowners (Hatch 1940, Barak et al 1981, Dunkel et al 1982, Morrison and Dunkel 1983. Although it is native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts of North America, where it is associated with decomposing yucca and agave plants (Hatch 1940, Dunkel et al 1982, the species has spread throughout the continent since the 1920s (Hatch 1940, Dunkel et al 1982. Before 1900, the only specimens known were from California, Arizona, Colorado, and Mexico; now, however, the species occurs as far north as Canada and as far east as the Atlantic seaboard states (Dunkel et al 1982).…”

“…Although it is native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts of North America, where it is associated with decomposing yucca and agave plants (Hatch 1940, Dunkel et al 1982, the species has spread throughout the continent since the 1920s (Hatch 1940, Dunkel et al 1982. Before 1900, the only specimens known were from California, Arizona, Colorado, and Mexico; now, however, the species occurs as far north as Canada and as far east as the Atlantic seaboard states (Dunkel et al 1982). On the Southern High Plains of Texas, the larger black ßour beetle exhibits a recent and unique habitat association with cotton gin trash, which consists of bracts, stems, leaves, and residual lint that are by-products of cotton ginning (Morrison and Dunkel 1983).…”