An improved method for mass rearing of three liposcelid psocids (Psocoptera: Liposcelidae) infesting stored commodities

Abstract

An improved method of mass culturing liposcelid psocids is described that enables the production of large numbers of insects with minimal equipment and handling. The key factor was the provision of refuge by the addition of black chart papers (five pieces, each 10×2 cm) inside the culture jars. A culture medium comprising whole wheat (14% moisture content), kibbled wheat, wholemeal wheat flour and brewer's yeast in the proportion of 10 : 10 : 10 : 0.1 (v/v) was tested on Liposcelis bostrychophila, L. entomophila and L. paeta. When reared on this medium with initial colonies of 10 adults, there was a 12-fold increase in L. bostrychophila, 5-fold increase in L. entomophila and an 8-fold increase in L. paeta populations over a 4-week period. The method enables quick and simple extraction and handling of insects. This rearing method produced significantly (P<0.05) larger population numbers when compared with a range of published and unpublished methods.