Developmental characteristics of Zophobas atratus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae in different instars

Abstract

The giant mealworm beetle, Zophobas atratus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is reared for commercial purposes as a live feed for animals. In 2011, it was officially introduced in Korea, and since then it has been considered commercially important. This beetle is a good animal feed resource because of its high protein content with balanced nutrients. However, its life stage characteristics have not been clearly described, especially of the larval stage that can be used as commercial products. To this end, in our study, we determined the number of Z. atratus larval instars, and described their characteristics at each stage, providing basic information about this beetle. Z. atratus larvae required eight to nine d of incubation period before hatching. The first instar period comprised three to four d. There were relatively large variations in each instar period, except for the first instar. Before the adults emerged, most of the individuals passed through15 to 18 instars. The highest pupation rate, 25.71%, was observed in both 16th and 17th instars. Body length gradually increased with each successive instar and it reached its maximum at the 18th instar. The color of larvae was white at the first instar, and gradually turned brown after the second instar.