The Growth and Development of Ephestia Kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera) and Tri-Bolium Confusum Duval (Coleoptera) under Controlled Conditions of Temperature and Relative Humidity.*

Abstract

The growth and development of Tribolium confusum and Ephestia kuehniella were followed by weight and length measurements, head capsule measurements, and by a detailed study of the length of each instar under a constant temp. of 30[degree] C. and 73% rel. humid. E. kuehniella increased in weight from 0.018 mg. at hatching to 23.7 mg. at the end of the larval period, while T. confusum increased from 0.028 mg. to 2.42 mg. over the same period. In length E. kuehniella increased from 0.87 mm. to 12.6 mm., and T. confusum increased from 1.18 mm. to 6.00 mm. The length of each stadium for E. kuehniella in days was: egg, 4; 1st, 6; 2nd, 4; 3rd, 4; 4th, 4; 5th, 4; 6th, 7; and pupa 8; while for T. confusum they were: egg, 5.5; 1st, 2; 2nd, 3; 3rd, 3; 4th, 3; 5th, 3; 6th, 6; and pupa 6. The average length of the life history of E. kuehniella was 41 days and for T. confusum 29 days. Weight curves and growth charts are presented. || ABSTRACT AUTHORS: T. Brindley