THE BIOLOGY OF LASIODERMA-SERRICORNE

A review detailing the biology of Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius) including the morphology, development, trophic biology and reproduction of this insect is presented. Adults emerge from the pupal case sexually mature, and females can oviposit within a day of emergence. Eggs hatch within a week, the larvae burrowing down into the food, damaging tobacco by eating small galleries through the host material. Larvae pass through four instars and pupate within a cell made from food and waste material cemented together by midgut secretions. Although found on a wide variety of foodstuffs, the beetle is well adapted to developing on tobacco, with intracellular symbionts forming an integral part of the beetles' physiology. Details of the pheromonal stimulation of mating and both male and female behaviours are outlined, as are the predators and parasitoids of this insect.