Aspects of the Reproductive Biology of Female <em>Dermestes Maculatus</em> Degeer (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) Under Controlled Conditions

Abstract

The fecundity and longevity of Dermestes maculatus degeer (coleoptera: Dermestidae) was studied in the laboratory under controlled conditions of temperature (29±2°C) and feeding (dry fish). Five pairs of newly emerged adults were prepared for the experiment. It was observed that the total fecundity among females ranged between 10 and 414 eggs, with a mean of 98.2 eggs per female. Eggs had a mean incubation period of 44.5 hours. Developmental duration of larvae was a range of 30 and 34 days. Pupal duration was a mean of 6.3 days. Preoviposition period of female adults ranged between 5 and 6 days. Oviposition period lasted between 1 and 26 days. While post, oviposition period was one day. Total longevity of adults was observed to last between 47 and 74 days.      

Keywords: Hide beetle, Dermestes maculatus, developmental biology, stored animal products