Laboratory observations on the life cycle and habits of Hister abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Histeridae)

The biology and behavior of H. abbreviatus F. were studied in the laboratory to define the developmental history and habits of this manure-attracted beetle and to evaluate its potential as a control agent of immature stages of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans (L.). Females deposit eggs in soil (0.5-5 cm deep) beneath the manure. Embryonic incubations averaged 2.3 days; larval development (three instars) required ca. 12.5 days and pupal development averaged 11.5 days at 27 degree C. Development from egg to adult averaged 26.3 days at 27 degree C. Precopulatory behavior characteristic of that observed for H. coenosus Erichson, H. incertus Marseul, and Saprinus pennsylvanicus Paykull is described. Predation during egg-to-pupa and larva-to-pupa developmental periods resulted in mean horn fly population reductions of 96.0 and 97.9%, respectively; pupal predation resulted in a mean horn fly population reduction of 50.9%.