The aim of this research was to investigate the chemical composition and evaluate the insecticidal activities of Artemisia herba-alba and Artemisia absinthium areal parts essential oil from Tunisia. Fumigant
and contact toxicities were assessed toward two major stored product beetles: Orysaephilus surinamensis
and Tribolium castaneum. The chemical composition of the two oils was characterized by qualitative and
quantitative differences. The major common compounds were camphor, 1,8 cineole, camphene, and borneol, whereas beta-thujone was the characteristic component of A. absinthium oil. Results indicated that
both oils exhibited fumigant and contact toxicity potential. The fumigant bioessays showed A. herba-alba
essential oil to be more toxic and O. surinamensis to be more susceptible. The corresponding LC50and
LC95values were respectively 30.22 and 132.11 L/L air. The contact bioessays using topical applications
revealed that A. absinthium essential oil was more efficient and again the saw-toothed grain beetle to be
more sensitive. The corresponding LD50and LD95values were 0.209 and 1.963 L. Our work indicates
concern in the use of Artemisia essential oils from Tunisia, both as fumigant and contact bioinsecticides
against stored product pests of economic importance.