The effects of temperature on flight initiation in a range of moths, beetles and parasitoids associated with stored products

The effects of temperature on flight initiation in a range of stored-product pests and their parasitoids have been studied in laboratory flight chambers. Tests were conducted between 10 and 32.5 degrees C at intervals of 2.5 degrees C. The minimum temperatures for flight initiation in the stored-product moths Ephestia kitehniella, E. elutella and Plodia interpunctella were in the range 12.5-15 degrees C. For the stored-grain beetles, minimum temperatures for flight initiation varied from 17.5 degrees C for Ahasverus advena and Typhaea stercorea, 20 degrees C for Rhyzopertha dominica, 25 degrees C for D-ibolimn castaneum, to 27.5 degrees C for Sitophilits oryzae. The minimum temperature for flight initiation in the hymenopteran parasitoids. Anisopleromalus calandrae and Lariophagus distinguendus, was 17.5 degrees C. Flight is discussed as a factor in sustainable pest management strategies for storage insects; its importance in the spread of infestation and the likely success of physical and biolouical control methods is highlighted. Crown Copyright (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.