Differential preference of colored surface in Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)

Abstract

Insects show color preferences mostly to those which resembles the color of foliage, flower or even their hosts. In the present study observations were made to determine vision towards different colored surfaces in young (second instar), and advanced (fourth instar) larvae, and adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The larva and adult beetles showed significant color preferences when given a choice between white (control) and colored surfaces at 24- and 48-h exposures. The second instar larvae were more attracted by yellow and pink than green surfaces. The fourth instar larvae did not show any significant preference between white and colored surfaces at 24-h exposure, but avoided red and pink surfaces (P>0.05) and had a marginal choice for black (P<0.05). The adults avoided green significantly at both exposure times and pink at 48-h exposure, but was moderately attracted by black (P<0.05) at both exposure times.