Effect of three Biologically active dietary substances on the development and reproduction of the leather beetle, Dermestes maculatus De Geer
DOI:10.36108/NJE/6891/70.0150
BALOGUN, R.A. and OFUYA, G.E.
ABSTRACT: The effects of three biologically-active dietary substances namely sulfanilamide, adrenaline and B-sitosterol, in the diet on the development and reproduction of the leather beetle, Dermestes maculatus, De Geer have been studied at 70% relative humidity and variable temperatures. Adrenaline and B-sitosterol each at 1.0% w/w, 0.5% w/w and 0.1% w/w concentrations in the diet respectively produced loss in weight and an increase in larval developmental period. Sulfanilamide at 0.1% w/w concentration in the diet stimulated growth and reduced larval developmental period. The highest survival of larvae to the adult stage was found among larvae fed on fish meal containing sulfanilamide while the highest mortality occurred in fish meat containing adrenaline and B-sitosterol. The possible implications of these results for the control of the leather beetle are discussed.