Development of Plodia interpunctella and Corcyra cephalonica on cricket flour

The interest in novel food, such as insect-based products, is increasing. Finished products, which contain insect meal, could be susceptible to stored-product pest infestations. This work aimed to evaluate whether cricket-based flour (CF) is susceptible to infestation by Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Larvae of the two species were reared separately on CF and on a standard diet (SD) as control. The survival percentage, adult size and offspring production were evaluated. Data were analysed using the t-test to determine statistical differences. Plodia interpunctella and C. cephalonica were able to develop on CF, completing the development cycle, but for both species the number of emerged adults was significantly lower on CF, compared to SD. CF significantly affected adult size and determined a delay in adult peak emergence, compared to SD. Both species showed a lower offspring production when grew up on CF. Nevertheless, cricket-based flour proved susceptible to P. interpunctella and C. cephalonica infestation, since this substrate resulted suitable for their development.