Observations on the Effect of Exposure to a Low Temperature on Laemophloeus minutus (Ol.) (Col. Cucujidae)

Abstract

Experiment showed that all developmental stages of Lacemophloeus minutus (Ol.) can survive exposure to a temperature of + 2°C. for a limited period which varies with the instar.The egg was more susceptible to such exposure than any other stage, followed by the first, second and third larval instars and the adult, which did not differ significantly from each other, and then by the fourth-instar larva and pupa which can also be grouped together.The adult male proved 1·21 times more susceptible than the female to the effects of exposure.Atmospheric humidity did not influence the mortality of eggs or adults. Previous starvation did not affect the mortality of adults subsequently exposed to + 2°C.