To evaluate effect of wheat flour of different varieties on the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), life history and demographic parameters of the pest were studied on flour of three varieties of wheat (Azar2, Homa and Sardari). The experiment was conducted under controlled condition of 25 ± 1°C, 60 ± 5% RH and 16:8 h (L:D). The data were analyzed based on the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. There were no significant differences in longevity between male and female among the varieties tested. There were no significant differences in pre-oviposition and oviposition periods between the Homa and the Sardari, however these parameters was significantly higher for females reared on the Azar2. In contrast, there were clear differences between fecundity of T. castaneum female reared on flour varieties. The total average fecundity of T. castaneum females was 16.7±SE 3.75, 14.7±SE 2.57 and 10.3±SE1.06 eggs/female on the Homa, the Azar2 and the Sardari, respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the finite rate of increase (λ) for the cohort reared on the Homa (0.0173±0.0085 and 1.017±0.0086 d-1, respectively) were significantly higher than those reared on the Azar2 (0.0083±0065 and 1.008±0.0066 d-1, respectively) and the Sardari (0.0074±0.010 and 1.007±0.010 d-1, respectively). Based on the life table response experiments, the Sardari is a less favorable variety for development and reproduction of T. castaneum. Ecological characteristics, including life table data are needed to be considered in pest management strategies.
