Influence of temperature on life-table parameters of Stethorus gilvifrons (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) fed on Tetranychus urticae Koch

• Published in: Journal of applied entomology (1986) Vol. 132; no. 8; pp. 638 - 645
• Main Authors: Taghizadeh, R, Fathipour, Y, Kamali, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Oxford, UK : Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.09.2008; Blackwell Publishing Ltd; Blackwell
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Coccinellidae; Coleoptera; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Intrinsic rate of natural increase; ladybird predator; Phytopathology. Animal pests. Plant and forest protection; population growth; Protozoa. Invertebrates; Stethorus; survivorship; Tetranychus urticae; two-spotted spider mite; survivorship; Temperature; Population growth; Tetranychidae; Coleoptera; Insecta; Intrinsic rate of natural increase; Survival; Acariformes; Arachnida; Intrinsic factor; ladybird predator; Coccinellidae; Pest; Tetranychus urticae; Acari; Stethorus; two-spotted spider mite; Actinedida; Arthropoda; Predator; Invertebrata; Life table
• ISSN: 0931-2048; 1439-0418
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0418.2008.01276.x

The influence of temperature on life-table parameters, fecundity and survivorship of the predatory ladybird, Stethorus gilvifrons, fed on Tetranychus urticae was determined at seven constant temperatures of 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 28°C, 30°C, 35°C and 40°C. No development was observed at 40°C, thus being regarded as the threshold for the development of S. gilvifrons. The results indicate a significant decrease in male and female longevity with increasing temperature from 15°C to 35°C. The longest and shortest longevity were 18.40 and 12.75 days for males and 17.40 and 8.80 days for females, respectively. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) and the net reproductive rate (R₀) of S. gilvifrons linearly increased with increasing temperatures from 15°C to 35°C, while the mean generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) decreased linearly within this temperature range. The highest values of rm (0.240 females/female/day) and R₀ (59.27 females/female) and the lowest mean generation time (17.01 days) and DT (2.88 days) were recorded at 35°C. The maximum (185.50 eggs) and minimum (25.50 eggs) measurement of total fecundity was also recorded at 35°C and 15°C, respectively. The results indicate that temperature greatly affected fecundity, survivorship and life-table parameters of S. gilvifrons, and that 35°C is a suitable temperature for population growth of this predator.