Effects of temperature and intraspecific interaction on the development of Dermestes maculatus (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

Abstract

Studies were conducted to determine development rates of of Dermestes maculatus DeGeer at temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C. No individuals completed development to the adult stage at 15°C. For the other temperatures, survivorship ranged from 9.3% at 20°C to 36% at 35°C. Time required for development varied inversely with temperature from a mean of 89.7 d at 20°C to 36.4 d at 35°C. For specimens held individually, survivorship was higher at 25 and 30°C, i.e., 83.2 and 60.2%, respectively. No specimens held individually at 35°C survived past the first larval instar. Mortality during the egg stage at 25 and 30°C was 4.52-5.23%, whereas mortality during the first instar was significantly higher for the individuals held at 30°C and 100% for those at 35°C. There was an inverse relation observed between larval density and both survivorship and mean adult weights.