Effect of photoperiod on biology of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) under laboratory condition

Mediterranian flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella, is a cosmopolitian pest of stored grain products, particularly flour. The development and reproduction of E. kuehniella, were investigated at two photoperiod (continuous darkness and 16L:8D photoperiod) under laboratory condition (30±0.5 °C and 50±5 % RH). The result indicated that egg, larval and pupa development time at continuous darkness and 16L:8D photoperiod were significantly differ. The photoperiod affected the emergence pattern and longevity of female and male. The mean number of eggs laid by E. kuehniella at continuous darkness and 16L:8D photoperiod were 160.54±28.67 and 163.53±32.29 respectively but they were not significantly different. These data allow us a better insight into E. kuehniella population dynamics, and these finding can be used to optimize rearing system.