ACCLIMATION AND LETHAL HIGH TEMPERATURES FOR A PARASITIC INSECT

Abstract

When reared at 29 °C, the parasitic insect Dahlbominus fuscipennis (Zett.) was more resistant to temperatures of 40° to 46 °C. than when reared at 17° or 23 °C. This increase in resistance was attributed to desiccation. The determination of the temperature tolerance of an insect is complicated by age, humidity conditions, and thermal history. The limits of tolerance were determined for D. fuscipennis reared at 17°, 23°, and 29 °C. and held at temperatures of 17° to 46 °C.