Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-c4f8m Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-25T06:53:49.560Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Studies on the humidity and temperature reactions of Dermestes maculatus Deg. (Col., Dermestidae), with reference to infestation in dried fish in Nigeria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

S. Afolabi Toye
S. Afolabi Toye
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Extract

Infestations of Dermestes maculatus Deg. in dried fish at Dugbe market, Ibadan, are favoured by traditional packaging and display methods. In laboratory experiments last-instar larvae and adults showed low thigmokinesis and a bias towards the dry end of a 50–100% r.h. gradient; in alternative humidities between 40% and 100% last-instar larvae and adults selected 60–80% r.h., adults having a stronger preference than the larvae for the higher humidity; in a temperature gradient last-instar larvae and adults avoided the 30–45° C zone and showed low thigmokinesis and immobilisation at 19° C. These findings were generally consistent with observations in the market. Heating dried fish in an oven at 60° C for 30 min killed all larvae and adults of D. maculatus present. Two 30-min heat treatments at four-day intervals in a simple charcoal-fired oven and storage in metal containers would control the pest.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 60 , Issue 1 , August 1970 , pp. 23 - 31
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1970

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Fraenkel, G. S. & Gunn, D. L. (1961). The orientation of animals, kineses, taxes and compass reactions.—376 pp. New York, Dover Publ.Google Scholar
Hayward, L. A. W. (1961). Observations on the quality and losses of dried fish from Lake Chad—Special Report, W.A.S.P.R.U.Google Scholar
Hosokawa, T. & Kubota, H. (1957). On the osmotic pressure and resistance to desiccation of epiphytic mosses from a beech forest, south-west Japan.—J. Ecol. 45, 579–591.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rollings, M. J., Onyearu, A. K. & Riley, J. [1964]. Storage of dried fish in various types of packages, with and without insecticidal treatment.—Rep. Niger. stored Prod. Res. Inst. 1963, pp. 112–118.Google Scholar
Solomon, M. E. (1957). Estimation of humidity with cobalt thiocyanate papers and permanent colour standards.—Bull. em. Res. 48, 489–506.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Taylor, T. A. (1964). Observations on the biology and habits of Dermestes maculatus Deg., a dried fish pest in Nigeria.—J. agric. Soc. Nigeria 1, 12–17.Google Scholar