Dataset on larval growth, reproduction, and senescence in Tenebrio molitor

This dataset contains experimental data on larval growth, pupation, adult female reproductive performance, and lifespan in the mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor). Data were collected to investigate the effects of genetic variation in growth on adult life-history traits, including reproductive investment and senescence. Content Larval growth and survival: pupal mass, growth duration, calculated growth rate. Adult traits: sex, adult mass at eclosion, post-reproductive mass, longevity. Reproductive performance: egg counts during early (R1, days 10–20 post-eclosion) and late (R2, days 40–50 post-eclosion) reproductive periods. Derived life-history metrics: reproductive senescence index (RSI), post-reproductive mass loss ratio (Mlr). Experimental design 17 inbred lines and a reference outbred stock were used. Larvae were isolated and monitored individually under standard laboratory conditions (24 ± 2°C, 70% RH, permanent darkness). Reproductive performance was measured with standardized mating protocols to control for egg-laying dates and larval density. Only females were analyzed for reproductive traits. Data file Excel file containing raw measurements and derived variables. README sheet describing variables, and units. Usage notes Units: pupal and adult mass in mg, growth duration in days, egg counts as integer numbers. Researchers can use this dataset to study life-history variation, senescence, and genetic effects on growth and reproduction in insects. Author contributions Aude Balourdet: Data collector Agathe Crosland.: Data collector, Data curator, Contact person Charlène Develay: Data collector Thierry Rigaud: Data collector Yannick Moret: Data collector, Contact person License CC-BY 4.0 (attribution required)