The Effect of Temperature and Laboratory Rearing Conditions on the Development of Dermestes maculatus (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) |
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| Authors: | Noelia I. Zanetti Ph.D. Elena C. Visciarelli Ph.D. Néstor D. Centeno Ph.D. |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Departamento de Ciencia y Técnica, Laboratorio de Entomología Aplicada y Forense, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Bernal, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina;2. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Cátedra de Parasitología Clínica, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina |
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| Abstract: | Experiments were conducted to study the life cycle of Dermestes maculatus and to establish the total developmental time and the developmental time of immature stages, in relation with six different temperatures. We also analyzed the variations in size, morphology, and other indicators of temporal variation during life cycle of D. maculatus, in relation with temperature. One hundred larvae were selected per experiment, reared individually. The remaining larvae were reared to evaluate and establish temporal variations among the instars (length, cephalic width, and dry weight). In all trials, survivorship was greater than 50% and seven larval instars were found. Data of the average developmental time of immature stages and of the total cycle, at different temperatures, are provided. This is of relevance when estimating particularly, a minimum PMI. No relation between morphometric parameters and temperature was found, suggesting that other random factors may have been involved. Thus, this indicates that the method of isomegalen diagrams could not be used for calculating PMI. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science forensic entomology cadaveric beetles controlled conditions insect development
Dermestes maculatus
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