Efeito das condições de criação na reprodução e na ontogenia de besouros necrófagos (Dermestes maculatus)

Abstract

Colonies of the beetle Dermestes maculatus DeGeer, 1774 are often used for zoological collections among universities and museums worldwide due to their efficient cleaning of soft tissue from animal carcasses. However, there is little research available, specially in the latest decades, regarding the relationship between the colony’s growth and the required conditions for its maintenance. This lack of information is even more noticeable regarding the availability of water, colony’s hygiene and the type of food source. That being the case, the purpose of this work was to investigate and measure the influence of these three variables over the development and reproduction of this insect species. Two experiments were conducted with groups of D. maculatus reared under different conditions: one for the analysis of reproduction and the other for the study of ontogeny. The production of larvae is increased 2.8 times in couples whose containers are cleaned, in comparison to couples whose containers are not cleaned; and is increased 5 times in couples fed with roast beef, in comparison to couples fed with dog food. Additionally, the time needed for larvae to reach sexual maturity is decreased by approximately 25% in larvae with access to water, in comparison to larvae without access to water; increases by 20% in larvae whose containers are cleaned, in comparison to larvae whose containers are not cleaned; and decreases by 30% in larvae fed with roast beef, in comparison to larvae fed with dog food.