The effects of temperature on flight initiation in a range of moths, beetles and parasitoids associated with stored products

Abstract

The effects of temperature on flight initiation in a range of stored-product pests and their parasitoids have been studied in laboratory flight chambers. Tests were conducted between 10 and 32.5 °C at intervals of 2.5 °C. The minimum temperatures for flight initiation in the stored-product moths Ephestia kuehniella, E. elutella and Plodia interpunctella were in the range 12.5–15 °C. For the stored-grain beetles, minimum temperatures for flight initiation varied from 17.5 °C for Ahasverus advena and Typhaea stercorea, 20 °C for Rhyzopertha dominica, 25 °C for Tribolium castaneum, to 27.5 °C for Sitophilus oryzae. The minimum temperature for flight initiation in the hymenopteran parasitoids, Anisopteromalus calandrae and Lariophagus distinguendus, was 17.5 °C. Flight is discussed as a factor in sustainable pest management strategies for storage insects; its importance in the spread of infestation and the likely success of physical and biological control methods is highlighted.