Biology and Age-Specific Life Table of Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on Different Stored Food Substrates

Abstract

The Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella, is a globally distributed stored-product pest causing substantial losses in grains and processed food commodities. The present study investigates the biology and age-specific life table parameters of P. interpunctella on different stored food substrates under controlled laboratory conditions. Developmental duration, survival, fecundity, and adult longevity were recorded across distinct larval diets including cereals and processed stored products. Results revealed significant variation in biological performance depending on the food substrate, indicating strong dietary influence on pest development. Shorter developmental time, higher survival rates, and increased fecundity were observed on nutrient-rich substrates, whereas poorer quality substrates resulted in prolonged larval development and reduced reproductive output. Age-specific survival curves demonstrated high mortality during larval stages on suboptimal diets, while adult survival remained relatively stable across treatments. Life table analysis indicated substantial differences in demographic parameters, including net reproductive rate (R₀), intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and mean generation time (T), among different food substrates. Substrates supporting higher nutritional quality resulted in faster population growth and higher infestation potential. The study highlights the strong dependence of P. interpunctella population dynamics on food quality and composition. These findings emphasize the importance of proper storage conditions and substrate management in reducing pest proliferation. Overall, age-specific life table analysis provides valuable insights into the population ecology of P. interpunctella and supports the development of targeted management strategies for minimizing losses in stored food systems through improved hygiene and storage practices.