Characterization of the larval stages of Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) using head capsule width

the mean width (n = 5) of the cephalic capsule instar of alphitobius diaperinus was determined. the larvae were reared at 27oc (± 0.1oc). 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.