LABORATORY OBSERVATIONS ON THE LIFE CYCLE OF HISTER NOMAS (COLEOPTERA: HISTERIDAE)

Abstract

The biology of Hister nomas Erichson was studied in the laboratory to define the developmental history of this bovine dung attracted predator. Female beetles deposited eggs singly 0.5–3.0 cm deep in the soil beneath dung. Embryogenesis was completed in 2.8 days after oviposition. There were two larval instars; each stage required ca. 6.1 and 6.2 days, respectively, for full development, and pupation to adult emergence averaged 17.5 days. Developmental time from oviposition to adult averaged 32.6 days.