Effects of temperature and high relative humidity on the rate of development and mortality of Latheticus oryzae Waterhouse (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

Latheticus oryzae Waterhouse was reared on wholemeal wheat flour supplemented with 10% yeast at 25, 30, 35 and 40°C and at 75, 85 and 95% r.h. Mortality of both eggs and larvae was high at 95% r.h. at all temperatures, but the duration of the incubation period was little affected by humidity. At 75 and 85% r.h., larval mortality was greatest at 25 and 40°C. The larval period was shortest and mortality least at 35°C and 85% r.h. It is suggested that L. oryzae is likely to be a major pest mainly in hot countries, or when grain has been made hot by drying or by the attack of other insect pests.