Abstract

FRANCISCO, O.  and  PRADO, A. P. do. Characterization of the larval stages of Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) using head capsule width. Rev. Bras. Biol. [online]. 2001, vol.61, n.1, pp. 125-131. ISSN 0034-7108.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0034-71082001000100016.

The mean width (n = 5) of the cephalic capsule instar of Alphitobius diaperinus was determined. The larvae were reared at 27ºC (± 0.1ºC). The result showed that A. diaperinus has eight larval instars. The head capsule of the 1^st instar larvae measured  x = 0.228 (SD = 0.0192) and the last instar larval measured x = 1.339 (SD = 0.0436). The developmental rate, determined by Dyar-Hutchinson's rule, was 1.29. These data may be useful for studies on phenology and age structure of A. diaperinus in the field.

Keywords : lesser mealworm; larval instars; cephalic capsule; caged layer manure.