Effect of three stored-grain fungi on the development of Typhaea stercorea

This study examined development times and ovipositional preference of hairy fungus beetles (Typhaea stercorea [L.] Col: Mycetophagidae), when reared on pure cultures of Aspergillus flavus Link, Eurotium rubrum König, Spieck and Bremer, and Penicillium purpurogenum Stoll., and the ability of hairy fungus beetles to develop in the presence of high levels of aflatoxin when fed A. flavus grown on coconut agar medium. Results indicate that hairy fungus beetles can complete their life cycle when fed these mold species grown on a defined medium in pure culture. Developmental times were shortest and females laid more eggs on pure cultures of A. flavus compared to E. rubrum, and P. purpurogenum. Lastly, we tested to see the effects of aflatoxin on hairy fungus beetle development. Hairy fungus beetles can complete their life cycle while feeding on a fungal culture producing high levels of aflatoxin. The results suggest that the mold species in the grain mass can influence insect developmental rates and thus population growth rates.