The effect of temperature and humidity on the developmental period and mortality of Typhaea stercorea (L.) (Coleoptera: Mycetophagidae)

The development of Typhaea stercorea (L.) on kibbled wheat was investigated at temperatures from 15 to 30°C in combination with humidities from 70 to 90% r.h. Eggs hatched at 17.5–30°C but not at 15°C. Incubation periods ranged from 2.5 days at 30°C to 9.5 days at 17.5°C. Larval periods ranged from 9.7 days at 30°C, 90% r.h. to 83.6 days at 17.5°C, 80% r.h. and were more than doubled for each 10% decrease in humidity. At 70% r.h. all larvae died outside the temperature range 22.5–27.5°C. Mortality increased with decreasing humidity in the range tested. Pupal periods ranged from 2.9 days at 30°C, 80% r.h. to 13.8 days at 17.5°C, 90% r.h. At 70% r.h. the lowest temperature for pupal development was 25°C whereas at 90% r.h. it was 17.5°C. The results suggest that this species is essentially a mould feeder and confirm that it requires relatively high humidity to develop.