title: Characterization of the larval stages of Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) using head capsule width.
abstract: The mean width (n = 5) of the cephalic capsule instar of Alphitobius diaperinus was determined. The larvae were reared at 27 degrees C (+/- 0.1 degrees C). The result showed that A. diaperinus has eight larval instars. The head capsule of the 1st instar larvae measured x = 0.228 (SD = 0.0192) and the last instar larval measured x = 1.339 (SD = 0.0436). The developmental rate, determined by Dyar-Hutchinson's rule, was 1.29. These data may be useful for studies on phenology and age structure of A. diaperinus in the field.
authors.affiliation: Programa de Pós-graduação em Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Francisco
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: do Prado
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D007814:Larva / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male