We have investigated the most suitable photoperiods for development of Zophobas atratus, super mealworm. The test was conducted with three different photoperiods of 9L/15D, 12L/12D and 15L/9D. The rearing conditions were 30℃, 65% R.H and 1,330 to 1,800 lux with wheat bran. In developmental period of 1 to 15 instars of three photoperiods, 12L/12D showed the shortest developmental period as 79.2±2.6 days, and 9L/15D (82.6±3.1 days), 15L/9D (84.2±2.3 days) in the following order. larval developmental period was statistical significant difference. The death rate was not statistically different. In the body weight, 12L/12D showed the heaviest body weight and 15L/9D, 9L/15D in the following order. But there was no significant difference at body weight. The head capsule, body capsule and body length also showed a similar tendency with body weight. The 79.6% of prepupa time of super mealworm was 15-17 instars. The longer prepupa time was accompanied by the lower daylength condition. In average prepupal period of 15-20 instars, 9L/15D was 17.7±2.5 days, 18.4±2.5 days in 12L/12D, 16.2±3.7 days in 15L/9D. The average of pupal period of female and male was 9.0±1.1 days and 9.6±1.3 days, respectively. In conclusion, the most suitable rearing photoperiod of super mealwarm was turned out as 12L/12D

• Hyeon-Jin Ko(Department of Agricultural Biology, The National Institute of Agricultural Science, RDA)
• Kyeong Yong Lee(Department of Agricultural Biology, The National Institute of Agricultural Science, RDA)
• Hyung Joo Yoon(Department of Agricultural Biology, The National Institute of Agricultural Science, RDA)