Ecological studies of the Psocids Liposcelis brunnea, L. rufa, L. pearmani, and Lepinotus reticulatus

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 (Liposcelididae), Liposcelis rufa, Liposcelis pearmani and Lepinotus reticulatus (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.