Gibbium

Scopoli, 1777

hump beetle

Species Guides

1

Gibbium is a of small beetles in the Ptinidae, commonly known as hump beetles. The genus contains at least two recognized : G. aequinoctiale, which has a distribution, and G. psylloides, found in the Palearctic, Southeast Asia, and North Africa. These beetles are primarily known as stored-product pests, feeding on dried animal and plant material. Gibbium species have been studied for their feeding , developmental , and role as for .

Gibbium aequinoctiale by (c) Paul Roots, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Paul Roots. Used under a CC-BY license.Gibbium aequinoctiale by (c) Paul Roots, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Paul Roots. Used under a CC-BY license.Gibbium by (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Gibbium: /ˈɡɪbiəm/

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Images

Habitat

Stored products; associated with dried animal and plant material. Laboratory rearing has been conducted at 32.5°C and 60% relative humidity on semolina and brewer's yeast mixtures.

Distribution

G. aequinoctiale: distribution. G. psylloides: Palearctic, Southeast Asia, and North Africa.

Diet

Dried animal material (fish meal, meat meal preferred by of G. psylloides); dried plant material. Larvae of G. psylloides have been observed to be cannibalistic and predatory on other stored-product insects.

Life Cycle

In G. psylloides under laboratory conditions: 8 days, larval stage 40 days, pupal stage 18 days, total developmental time 66 days. Maturing remain inside cocoons for a pre- period of approximately 7 days before emerging.

Behavior

Larvae form cocoons during the pupal stage. Starved of G. psylloides become more active and aggregate in illuminated areas. Adults prefer dried animal material over plant material.

Ecological Role

Stored-product pest. Intraguild and occur in stored product . Serves as for the ectoparasitoid Lariophagus distinguendus (Pteromalidae).

Human Relevance

Economic pest of stored products. Subject of research on feeding stimulants and using .

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