The Effect of Larval Density on Pupation Rate and Time to Emergence from Pupation in $Tenebrio$ $molitor$ Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Reared on Two Different Feeds

Year 2024, Volume: 9 Issue: 2, 421 - 430, 29.12.2024

Yeşim Koç

https://doi.org/10.33484/sinopfbd.1425952

Abstract

In our research, the yellow mealworm, $Tenebrio$ $molitor$ L. was used. The effects of two different foods on the pupation rate and time to emergence from pupation of $T.$ $molitor$ at different larval densities were investigated. The experiments were carried out under continuous dark laboratory conditions with a temperature of 27±2ᵒC and a relative humidity of 60%±5%. Two different nutrient and four larval density groups were used in the study. The first nutrient composition consisted of dry yeast and wheat germ (150 gr in total, 1/2) The second nutrient composition consisted of whole wheat flour and corn flour (150 gr in total, 1/1). Insects were bred primarily on the tested nutrient media. Experimental sets were prepared at four different larval densities for both foods. The number of larvae in plastic containers was adjusted to 20, 60, 200 and 600. To ensure equality, all larvae were selected from small larvae. (between 50 mg-120 mg). In our study, pupation rates were high, especially in groups consisting of 20 and 60 larvae. The percentage of pupation decreased at 200 larval densities and sharply decreased at 600 larval densities in both diets. Especially the negative effects of the density are more obvious in the second food. The effects on intensity were more pronounced, especially in pupation of larvae, not in terms of pup time. As a result, it would be advantageous for the larvae density not to be above 200 in terms of getting more yield and increasing the reproduction rate from $T.$ $molitor$, which is demanded in large numbers as live feed. In conclusion, for the production of $T.$ $molitor$, which is commonly used as live feed, it is preferable to have a larval density below 200 in order to get a higher yield and better reproduction rates.

Keywords

$Tenebrio$ $molitor$, larval density, pupation rate, time to emergence from pupation

Ethical Statement

The study does not require ethics committee permission or any special permission.

Supporting Institution

The author has no received any financial support for the research, authorship, or publication of this study.

Thanks

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İki Farklı Besinde Larval Yoğunluğun, $Tenebrio$ $molitor$ Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) un Pupalaşma Oranı ve Pupadan Çıkış Süresine Etkisi

Abstract

Araştırmamızda un kurdu $Tenebrio$ $molitor$ L. kullanılmıştır. İki farklı besinin, farklı larval yoğunluğunda $T.$ $molitor$’ un pupalaşma oranı ve pupadan çıkış süresine etkisi araştırılmıştır. Denemeler, sıcaklığı 27±2ᵒC ve nisbi nemi %60±5 olan devamlı karanlık laboratuvar koşullarında yapılmıştır. Araştırmada iki farklı besin tipi kullanılmıştır. 1. besin; buğday rüşeymi ve kuru mayadan oluşurken, 2. besin; tam buğday unu ve mısır unun (eşit miktarda) dan oluşmuştur. Öncelikle denenen besin ortamlarında böcekler yetiştirilmiştir. Her iki besin için de dört farklı larva yoğunluğunda deney seti hazırlanmıştır. Plastik kaplarda larva sayısı, 20, 60, 200 ve 600 olacak şekilde ayarlanmıştır. Biyolojik testlerde 50 mg-120 mg arası küçük larvalar tercih edilmiştir. Pupalaşma yüzdesi her iki besinde de 200 larva yoğunluğunda azalmış, 600 larva yoğunluğunda ise keskin bir düşüş olmuştur. Özellikle yoğunluğun ortaya çıkardığı negatif etkilerin 2. besinde daha bariz ortaya çıktığı tespit edilmiştir. Pup süreleri bakımından değil, özelikle larvaların pupalaşmasında yoğunluktaki etkiler daha bariz olmuştur. Sonuç olarak, canlı yem olarak çok fazla sayıda talep gören $T.$ $molitör$ den daha fazla verim almak, üreme hızını arttırmak bakımından larva yoğunluğunun özellikle 200 ün üzerinde olmaması avanvajlı olacaktır.

Keywords

$Tenebrio$ $molitor$, larval yoğunluk, pupalaşma oranı, pupadan çıkış süresi

Ethical Statement

Çalışma etik kurul izni veya herhangi bir özel izin gerektirmemektedir.

Supporting Institution

Yazar bu çalışmanın araştırılması, yazılması veya yayınlanması için herhangi bir maddi destek almamıştır.

Thanks

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