The Biology ofLaemophloeus minutusOliv. (Col. Cucujidae)

The three species ofLaemophloeuscommonly associated with stored products have been shown, by a survey of recorded information, to be cosmopolitan and to occur on a large variety of foodstuffs. The egg, four larval instars and pupa ofL. minutushave been described briefly and the life-history outlined. Mated females ofLaemophloeus minutuslay eggs continuously throughout their long life at the rate of about 0·5 eggs per day at 17°C. rising to 4·0 eggs per day at 30°C. Humidity changes over the range 55–90 per cent. R.H. have little effect on the rate of oviposition. Oviposition is stimulated by the constant presence of the male.