Ecology of black beetle, heteronychus orator (Coleóptera: Scarabaeidae) - influence of temperature on feeding, growth, and survival of the larvae

Abstract

The influence of temperature on the growth and survival of first-instar larvae of black beetle feeding in soil was examined. Similarly the consumption, utilisation, growth, and survival of second- and third-instar larvae feeding on carrot were investigated using gravimetric methods. Soil temperatures in the range 20-25°c were found to be necessary for optimum growth of all instars. First-instar larval growth increased exponentially over the temperature range 10-20°c. Third-instar larvae were tolerant of higher temperatures than second-instar larvae. The temperatures for optimum levels of consumption and utilisation of carrot varied between the instars. © 1981 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.