Occurrence of cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), on commercial sibot herb mixture

Issue Date

10-2016

Abstract

'Sibot' or 'sibut' is a mixture of culinary herbs, mostly of Chinese origin, used in the preparation of black chicken soup. The concoction is believed to have medicinal properties especially for patients recuperating from serious maladies. Among commercially available packets of sibot culinary herb mix, live insects were observed, which upon detailed observation in the laboratory, were identified to be anobid beetles of Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius) Coleoptera: Anobiidae), more commonly known as cigarette beetle and is well-known stored product pest. Chefs or cooks who prepare sibot chicken soup may or may not be aware of the insect pest and it is not clear whether the insect itself adds flavor to the uniquely pleasant Chinese cuisine. It is clear, however, that one of the components of sibot herb mix, most probably the soft woody stem or dried starchy slices of Dioscorea polystachya, and/or the dried goji berry Lycium barbarum, may serve as the primary host of the beetle among the components herbs of sibot and therefore, a possible source of infestation for other stored products. Infestations among sibot samples from selected markets in Laguna are compared.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

30

Issue

2

Page

189

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

COLEOPTERA; LASIODERMA SERRICORNE; ANOBIIDAE; CHICKENS; HERBACEOUS PLANTS; PESTS OF PLANTS

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