Survival, reproduction, and development of seven species of stored-product insects on the various food components of lightweight, high-density, prototype military rations

Lightweight, high-density, prototype food rations (Food Packet, Assault) were removed from their protective polymeric packets and the 17 various food items were exposed to 7 species of stored-product insects, representing 2 orders and 6 families. All foods except one sustained adults and developing larvae of one or more of the species tested. Exposure to air and humidity did not seem to alter the physical appearance of most foods, and the moisture content of most foods as measured by gain or loss of weight usually changed < 10%. Several insect species continued to feed and develop on the rations after periods of nearly a year.