Comparative performance of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) across populations, resource types and structural forms of those resources

► Field-collected Tribolium castaneum differed in performance from insects in culture. ► Performance on wheat and sorghum was better than on cotton (whole seeds and flour). ► Field insects developed on cotton at a low rate (∼20%). ► Field insects had much higher fecundity (by ∼78%) on wheat and sorghum.