Some aspects of the biology of Dermestes maculatus Degeer (Coleoptera,Dermestidae) in dried fish

The development of Dermestes maculatus Deg. in dried fish has been studied under uncontrolled laboratory conditions. Females laid eggs within 12 hr of copulation, and oviposition was improved by the presence of free water. Hatching occurred about 48 hr after oviposition. The characteristic appearance of the egg and the changes that occurred during incubation and hatching are described. Larval development was completed in 33·5 days during which seven moults occurred and a body length of 14 mm was attained. Larval life was prolonged by crowding. When intact pieces of fish were available, the last instar larva bored into one of them and pupated within the hardened larval skin, but when ground fish was provided, a quiescent prepupal stage was observed. The adult emerged about 11 days after the last instar larval stage, irrespective of the mode of pupation.