| Popis: |
Necrobia rufipes is a cosmopolitan insect pest that attacks food products of vegetable and animal origin. The occurrence of biological agents in industrialized pet animal foods causes physical and chemical damage as well as changes in nutritional value, odor and flavor. Insects can also enhance the incidence of microorganisms and their toxins, which are one of the causes of pet animal illnesses. Individuals of N. rufipes were observed infesting dog food in the Pet Shop section of a supermarket in Campina Grande (PB). A sealed dog food bag was purchased and transported to the laboratory for sorting of infested material and identification of the specimens. Nine hundred and thirty-two larvae of different instars, 6 pre-pupae, 19 pupae and 514 adults of N. rufipes were identified. The success of infestation is related to the humidity level inside the bag and high concentration of crude protein in dog food. This is the first record of the presence of N. rufipes in industrialized dog food in Paraiba State and Northeast Brazil. |
