Study of the larger black flour beetle Cynaeus angustus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in cotton gin trash

The larger black flour beetle (LBFB) Cynaeus angustus (Leconte) thrives in cotton gin trash piles on the Southern High Plains of Texas and sometimes becomes a nuisance after invading public and private structures. No insecticides are registered for use on gin trash piles, so we are investigating physical and biological control tactics. We present data on behavioral responses to moisture and temperature regimes of both adults and larvae and we provide initial data on the potential of use of entomopathogenic nematodes in control of this pest.