The developmental parameters of the minute brown scavenger beetle Dienerella argus (Coleoptera: Latridiidae)

Adults and larvae of Dienerella argus (Reitter) (Coleoptera: Latridiidae) feed on fungi and are frequently found in indoor, moldy areas. The basic biology of this species, other than its feeding habits, has not been determined. In this study, the developmental parameters of the beetle were investigated using dried hyphae and conidia from three fungi that are common in living areas. The developmental periods of the beetle on Cladosporium cladosporioides, Penicillium citrinum, and P. decumbens were examined at 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 °C / 70–75 % RH under dark conditions. The low developmental threshold temperatures and thermal constants calculated from egg to adult emergence were 10.5 °C and 526 DD (degree day), 9.0 °C and 500 DD, and 10.9 °C and 370 DD on C. cladosporioides, P. citrinum, and P. decumbens, respectively. These developmental parameters indicate that these beetles can breed year-round in indoor areas that are in air-conditioned facilities.