Sex and strain-specific spectral attraction of Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): behavioral studies

We examined the attraction of adults to six LEDs in the red flour beetles, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), which is widespread as a stored grain insect. In the experiment, bluish green and green were more attractive than the two UVs, blue, and red LEDs only in females. On the other hand, no difference was found in attraction among the six LEDs in males. Next, we investigated the relationship between light intensity and attractiveness. No sexual difference in attractiveness in different light intensities was found, but the strongest light intensity was more attractive than other light intensities. Finally, we investigated the relationship between light attraction and strains artificially selected for the duration of death feigning. Short-strain beetles were more attracted to UV lights than long-strain beetles.