Optimal hatching conditions of Zophobas atratus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) eggs under various culture conditions

Abstract

• The weight per egg decreased by 42.3%, and eggs hatched on day 6 after oviposition. • Temperature significantly influenced hatchability of Z. atratus eggs. • Hatchability was highest at 30 °C (91%) and lowest at 25 °C (6.5%). • Photoperiod, luminance, and relative humidity had no significant impact. • The highest hatchability (93.6%) was achieved at 30 °C, 12L/12D, 65% RH, and 1800 lx. Supermealworm, Zophobas atratus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is a tropical species used for human consumption and as an ingredient in animal feed. We investigated the hatching characteristics of Z. atratus eggs under varying conditions to optimize artificial rearing conditions. Overall, the average egg weight, width, and length decreased by 42.3%, 3.7%, and 10.1%, respectively, on the 6th day post-oviposition. We varied either temperature, photoperiod, illuminance, or humidity, while the other conditions remained constant. Of the four experimental temperatures—25 °C, 27 °C, 30 °C, and 33 °C–30 °C was associated with the highest hatching rate (91.0%) during days 5–7. Although other experimental conditions did not have a significant effect on hatchability, we were able to elucidate the ideal conditions for improved hatchability. For photoperiod, hatchability was the highest (84%) at 12L/12D, followed by 81.0% at 15L/9D, and 70% at 9L/15D. Among the illuminance conditions tested—600, 1800, and 3000 lx—hatchability was the highest at 1800 lx (82.3% on days 4–6). Among the relative humidity (RH) levels tested—50%, 65%, and 80%—hatchability was the highest at 65% RH (88.5% on days 5–6). Thus, the ideal conditions for maximum hatchability were 30 °C, 12L/12D, 65% RH, and 1800 lx. Under these combined conditions, the hatching rate increased by 93.6%, and the hatching time was reduced by two days.