ARS | Publication request: Ecological studies of the psocids Liposcelis brunnea, L. rufa, L. pearmani, and Lepinotus reticulatus

Submitted to: Stored Products Protection International Working Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: February 20, 2010
Publication Date: December 9, 2010
Repository URL: http://pub.jki.bund.de/index.php/JKA/article/download/337/1192
Citation: Opit, G.P., Gautam, S.G., Aminatou, B.A., Throne, J.E. 2010. Ecological studies of the psocids Liposcelis brunnea, L. rufa, L. pearmani, and Lepinotus reticulatus. In: Stored Products Protection International Working Conference Proceedings, June 27 - July 2, 2010, Estoril, Portugal. p. 173-179.

Technical Abstract: Psocids (Psocoptera) are an emerging problem in grain storages, grain processing facilities, and product warehouses in the United States and many other countries. Development of effective pest management programs for psocids is dependent on having sound knowledge of their ecology. Given the limited information available on the ecology of psocids, we conducted ecological studies of four psocid species namely, Liposcelis brunnea Motschulsky (Liposcelididae), Liposcelis rufa Broadhead, Liposcelis pearmani Lienhard, and Lepinotus reticulatus Enderlein (Trogiidae). We conducted population growth studies of these four psocid species at different temperatures and relative humidities; development studies of L. brunnea, L. rufa, and L. reticulatus at different temperatures; and investigated the effects of temperature on reproductive parameters of L. reticulatus. Our studies provide important data on life history and reproductive parameters of four stored-product psocid pests. Because these parameters affect population dynamics, these data can be used in simulation models to predict psocid population dynamics and thereby aid in the development of more effective management strategies.