Effect of oviposition substrate on the reproductive efficiency of Acheta domesticus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v18i1.6175Keywords:
Embryonic viability, humidity, development, hatching, incubation, insect, microorganismsAbstract
ABSTRACT. “Effect of oviposition substrate on the reproductive efficiency of Acheta domesticus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)”. Introduction: Acheta domesticus exhibits distinctive morphological traits and a clear sexual dimorphism that facilitate its identification and management. Its relevance as a protein source for human and animal nutrition, together with the recent growth of the edible insect industry in Costa Rica, highlights the need to develop and standardize reproductive protocols that optimize oviposition, embryonic development, and the survival of A. domesticus in intensive rearing systems. Objective: To evaluate the quality and preference of organic substrates as oviposition media for female A. domesticus. Methods: Between October and December 2024, we analyzed the effect of four organic substrates (river sand, coconut fiber, agricultural soil, and peat moss) on the reproductive development of A. domesticus. We conducted two independent trials: one to assess substrate quality and another to determine oviposition preference. In the first trial, we applied a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and six replicates, while in the second, we conducted an exploratory multiple-treatment trial in which all substrates were evaluated simultaneously in each experimental unit. In both trials, we recorded nymph emergence from each substrate; emerged individuals were collected and preserved in 90% ethanol for subsequent counting using a stereoscope and entomological tweezers. For data analysis, we applied the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality; since this assumption was not met, we used the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Multiple comparisons were then performed using Dunn’s test with Bonferroni correction, using RStudio software. Results: We recorded the highest egg hatching in peat moss, with values significantly higher compared to the other treatments evaluated. Similarly, in the substrate preference trial, peat moss yielded the best results, showing significant differences. Conclusion: The physical and chemical properties of the substrate determine the reproductive success and embryonic viability of Acheta domesticus. Peat moss stood out as the most efficient substrate due to its moisture retention, porosity, and thermal stability, while other substrates showed limitations that affected embryonic development. Selecting an appropriate substrate optimizes reproduction and embryonic survival in controlled rearing systems.
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