Age-Stage, Two-Sex Life Table of Atractomorpha lata (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) at Different Temperatures

Abstract

Atractomorpha lata Motschoulsky (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) has recently emerged as an important agricultural pest in China. Understanding the impact of temperature on its developmental period is crucial for predicting its population dynamics. This study systematically observed the biological characteristics of A. lata at five temperatures (16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 °C) using the age-stage, two-sex life table method. The effects of temperature on the developmental period, survival rate, and fecundity of A. lata were studied using fresh bean leaves as host. The results demonstrated that as temperature increased from 16 °C to 32 °C, the developmental period, preadult time, adult longevity, adult preoviposition period (APOP), and total preoviposition period (TPOP) significantly decreased. The developmental threshold temperatures for various stages were calculated, ranging from 10.47 °C to 13.01 °C, using the linear optimal method. As temperature increased, both the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the finite rate of increase (λ) also increased, while the mean generation time (T) decreased. The optimal values of the net reproductive rate (R0 = 54.26 offspring), gross reproductive rate (GRR = 185.53 ± 16.94 offspring), and fecundity (169.56 ± 9.93 eggs) were observed at 24 °C. Similarly, the population trend index (I) for A. lata peaked at 24 °C (61.64). Our findings indicate that A. lata exhibits its highest population growth rate at 24 °C, providing a scientific basis for predicting its population dynamics in the field.