Effect of temperature on development and population growth rates of Spilostethus pandurus (Scopoli) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) in Giza, Egypt

Abstract

AbstractThe effects of temperature on the life history of Spilostethus pandurus (Scopoli) were examined by determining the different developmental and reproductive parameters with respect to days of hatching, oviposition, and adult emergence of insects reared in field cages at Giza, Egypt. Hatching, oviposition, and adult emergence continued all year round; the average daily temperature in the coldest month (January) seemed to be above developmental thresholds for different stages. This lygaeid completed six overlapping generations in 1 year. The basic population parameters, i.e. net reproductive rate (R0), gross reproductive rate (GRR), instantaneous rate of natural increase (r), finite rate of natural increase (λ), and mean generation time (T) exhibited a more or less cyclic pattern in successive generations. The highest value of r (rmax) was considered as the intrinsic rate of natural increase of this species.