Life history, food preference and consumption of black earwig, Chelisoches morio F. (Chelisochidae: Dermaptera)

Issue Date

10-2008

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the life history, food preference and consumption of black earwig, Chelisoches morio. Specifically, the study aimed to (a) characterize the egg, nymph and adult earwigs; (b) compare the amounts of food consumed by earwigs when reared in artificial substrates; (c) assess the influence of substrates on the fecundity of female earwig s; (d) assess the mating competitiveness of male earwigs and its effect on fecundity of female earwigs; and (e) compare the number of coconut leaf beetle larvae of different instars consumed by adult earwigs. The earwigs were initially mass-reared in plastic containers using various food substrates. Life history studies from egg laying behavior of the females. Size, shape and color of eggs, nymphal instars and stadia and adult longevity were documented. Behavior of females paired with one to five males was monitored. Five different artificial media were evaluated in one experiment while coconut leaf beetle larvae of different instars fed to the adult earwigs were also evaluated in another experiment. The newly laid eggs are 1-2mm long, spherical, yellow or creamy in color. The egg elongates and develops two distinct colors when about to hatch. Incubation period ranges from 7 to 9 days. The newly emerged nymph is light gray which turns black after a few days. Nymphs molt four times and the nymphal period lasts from 67 to 79 days. Adults mature within three to eight days after emergence and mate at the rate of one to six times every five days. The earwigs prefer to feed on cat food but laid the highest number of eggs when reared on dog food. The number of eggs laid per batch ranges from 25 to 48. The percent hatchability ranges from 93-99. Mating behavior of females changes when confined withs several male mates. Generally, more eggs were laid when confined with only one than with two to five mates. Male and female earwigs feed on first to fourth instar larvae of coconut leaf beetle. Generally, females are more voracious than males, consuming more larval prey daily.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

22

Issue

2

Page

201

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

DERMAPTERA; INSECTA; LIFE CYCLE; FEEDING PREFERENCES; FEEDING HABITS; FOOD CONSUMPTION

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