Development of dermestes maculatus (degeer, 1774)‎ (coleoptera, dermestidae)‎ on different fish substrates

Abstract EN

The development of Dermestes maculatus (DeGeer) on four smoked fish substrates [Trigger fish (Balistes capriscus), Catfish (Synodontis sp.), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)] were investigated as completely randomized design under laboratory temperature of 30oC, relative humidity of 65 ± 5 % and a light: darkness regimen of 12:12 hours.

Females laid eggs within 24 hours of copulation.

The numbers of eggs laid and the period between larval instars were not significantly different (P > 0.05).

Mean total egg laying period varied from 18 days on B.

capriscus to days on Synodontis sp.

with about 75 % of eggs laid on days 13, 15, 15 and 17 for O.

niloticus, B.

Capriscus, C.

gariepinus, and Synodontis sp., respectively.

Hatching started 48 hours after copulation on all fish substrates.

The mixed fish substrate (comprising all species) gave the longest (P < 0.05) developmental period of 42.75 days.

Except C.

gariepinus which recorded five larval instars, all others gave six instars.

The total development period of D.

maculatus from egg → larva pre-pupa → pupa → adult emergence on the fish substrates decreased in the order Synodontis > O.

niloticus > Mixed > C.

gariepinus > B.

capriscus.