Effect of adult feeding on longevity and fecundity of the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne F. (Coleoptera: Anobiidae)

Abstract

The effect of food supply on longevity and fecundity of the adult cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne F., was tested under the dark conditions of 30°C and 70% RH. When both males and females were provided with either pollen or water, their mean longevities were almost the same as those of control males and females without a supply of food. On the other hand, if males and females were supplied with both pollen and water simultaneously, their mean longevities were extended about twice as long as those of controls. Both mean oviposition period and mean number of eggs deposited also increased. Females that started feeding on pollen and water before the 7th day after emergence laid nearly equal number of eggs as females feeding throughout their life. When females started feeding on the 9th day, their fecundity increased and oviposition period was prolonged. When mated females were supplied with food together with an oviposition site from just after emergence, their maximum longevity was about 50 d. On the other hand, mated females supplied food without an oviposition site showed a maximum longevity of 80 d. These results suggest that cigarette beetles emigrate from a dry food factory and storage to the field, and feed in the field.