Movement and behavioral response of stored product insects under stored grain environments - A review

Understanding movement of insects and their behavioral response in stored grain bulks helps in controlling their infestation. Studies have been conducted on insect movement; however, determination of patterns of insect distribution is quite difficult because their behavioral responses vary with species and life stages as well as with external stimuli under different storage conditions. This review discussed insect movement, movement detection and tracing methods. Different experimental setups used for determining insect movement were presented along with their advantages and limitations with special emphasis on factors influencing insect mobility. Various model equations to predict insect movement and their spatial distribution were stated. Further, practical difficulties and challenges associated with studies of insect movement under multiple gradients were discussed. Based on literature analysis, directions for future research were presented with respect to the requirement and applicability of the emerging cost-effective technologies for insect movement detection.