STUDY OF BIONOMICS OF SKIRT AND BLOUSE BEETLE (Paederus fuscıpes CURTIS), 1826 (COLEOPTERA: STAPHYLINIDAE, PAEDERINAE)

This study on the life history, activity of larvae, pupae and adults of Paederus fuscipes (Staphylinidae: Paederinae) was carried out during 2009 due to its multiferous (scavenger, predator and medical importance) role. The adults were reared in glass beakers with different types of soils to know their egg lying capacity in these soils at room temperature. Little decaying vegetable material and aphids were added into these beakers on alternate days to provide a natural environment and food to insects. ANOVA and Fishers LSD posthoc test was applied to compare the results. These preffered damp soil rich in organic matter for egg laying under the laboratory conditions. A single female laid 25 to 61 eggs during March-June depending upon temperature. Oviposition period was found to be as double (12.5 days) and incubation period as half (2.5 days) in May-June than in March-April. The average duration of incubation, larval and pupal stage was 3.8, 8.1 and 3.9 days, respectively.