A field demonstration of odour-based, host-food finding behaviour in several species of stored grain insects

Abstract

In order to demonstrate odour-based, host-food finding behaviour in field populations of stored grain insects, traps were inserted into the fabric of PVC-covered, fully sealed, earth-walled storages at two sites in New South Wales, Australia. Cryptolestes ferrugineus, Rhyzopertha dominica and Tribolium castaneum were trapped relatively commonly, as were the economically less significant Carpophilus dimidiatus, Typhaea stercorea and Ahasverus advena. Trap odours from stored wheat contributed markedly to the attraction of all six species. Other species were taken also, mainly those associated with moist grain. These results are discussed in relation to the abundance of stored-product species in the trapping area.