ASSESSING WATER-DEPENDENCE OF A STORED GRAIN PEST, TENEBRIO MOLITOR**

Authors

Kerstin G. Thulé*, University of North Georgia (Oconee campus), Watkinsville, GA, 30677Follow
Alexander E. Olvido, University of North Georgia (Oconee campus), Watkinsville, GA, 30677Follow
Jim Konzelman, University of North Georgia (Oconee campus), Watkinsville, GA, 30677Follow

Abstract

As human population soars, finding and producing sustainable food sources is more and more necessary. Tenebrio molitor,an insect pest requiring little space to live and breed, is a viable alternative to mainstream high-protein products like cattle and poultry. In this study, we determine T. molitor’swater-dependence. We hypothesized that regular provision of carrot sticks acting as a water source would increase T. molitoradult lifespan. Each mature beetle was separated into an individual vial and assigned to one of four experimental groups with varying diet and temperature treatments. Beetles kept at 30°C treatments tended to have shorter lifespans than beetles kept in 24°C. Interestingly enough, carrots did not equate to a prolonged beetle lifespan: at 31°C, for example, females with carrot-supplemented diets did not seem to live longer than the females in the no-carrot treatment. We discuss our findings with a focus on how climate change might affect human food production.

Acknowledgements

Jill Schulze- Assistant Dean, CSM., Tim Aldridge- Campus Maintenance Manager.

Recommended Citation

Thulé*, Kerstin G.; Olvido, Alexander E.; and Konzelman, Jim (2018) "ASSESSING WATER-DEPENDENCE OF A STORED GRAIN PEST, TENEBRIO MOLITOR**," Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 76, No. 1, Article 92.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol76/iss1/92