Biology of red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst, 1797) in two flour media under laboratory conditions

The research was conducted with meticulous attention to detail. The study aimed to discern the food precedence and investigate the various life stages of Tribolium castaneum . The research was carried out in two flour media, wheat ( Triticum indicum ) and rice ( Oryza sativa ), at an average temperature of 30 degrees C and 50% R.H. The study found that larval and pupal development time was comparatively faster in wheat flour (23 to 27 days) as compared to rice (33 to 37). Oviposition was observed higher in rice flour than in wheat flour. Instars were discerned as six and seven in wheat and rice flour, respectively. The pace of reproduction, development, and growth was higher in the warmer seasons from April till the start of September, especially in June and July, but with the cessation of all these activities in fall and cold seasons, even adult beetles were found dead in extreme cold.