Richardson and Goff 2001

Richardson MS, Goff ML. 2001. Effects of temperature and intraspecific interaction on the development of Dermestes maculatus Coleoptera: Dermestidae). Journal of Medical Entomology 38: 347-357.

These authors measured survivorship and development rate in Dermestes maculatus from Hawaii, and compared these variables between beetles raised at a range of temperatures between 15°C and 35°C, and larval densities between one and 120 individuals per container, with modifications to prevent cannibalism by larvae of eggs.

Beetles were maintained in large plastic boxes (see also Hefti et al. 1980) lined with paper towels, and fed on Lighthouse brand (60% protein) fish meal in Petri dishes, with distilled water provided in separate Petri dishes. Humidity was not controlled, but varied between 60% and 80% relative.

Development times (egg to adult) varied from about three months at 20°C to a little longer than one month at 35°C. Females are generally slightly larger, and this species (or at least this population) shows a reversed size-temperature rule, with larger adult body sizes at higher temperatures. High density impairs larval survival, though there were few differences between intermediate-density treatments.

The authors suggest that optimal growth and survival is probably close to 30°C, and at intermediate population densities. Fish meal seems to be an appropriate and useful growth medium.