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Abstract
The maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, is an economically important pest of stored grains causing significant losses. This study explored key ecological factors, including temperature and moisture that contribute to maize weevil survival. Thermal performance was assessed through critical thermal maximum (CTMax) and thermal preference tests, which revealed no significant differences between sexes. Morphological analysis confirmed sexual dimorphism, with females having longer rostra and males having wider rostra, but no differences in weight. Moisture effects were evaluated through feeding and larval developmental trials under controlled conditions. Feeding was highest at 20% moisture content, with males exhibiting greater variability. Statistical analyses confirmed differences in feeding between 10% and 20% moisture content. Larval development showed the highest F1 progeny emergence at 20% moisture content, a smaller number of emergence at 10% moisture content, and no significant sex ratio difference. Grain damage was lowest at 10% moisture content. These findings provide insights into S. zeamais adaptability, emphasizing the impact of temperature and moisture on its population dynamics.