DEVELOPMENT OF THE CARROT RUST FLY, PSILA ROSAE (DIPTERA: PSILIDAE), RELATIVE TO TEMPERATURE IN THE LABORATORY

Abstract

AbstractThe effect of temperature on development of the carrot rust fly, Psila rosae (F.), was determined at constant temperatures in the laboratory. The relationship between rate of development and temperature was essentially linear from 10° to 17.5°C but began to diverge from linearity between 17.5° and 20°C. Estimated threshold temperatures (t) and thermal constants (K) for development of overwintered pupae were 2.3°C and 319 degree-days (dd) for first emergence and 1.8°C and 368 dd for 50% emergence. For laboratory-reared stages, t and K values were 4.1°C and 102 dd for egg hatch, 2.0°C and 642 dd for development from egg to mature larvae, and 3.0°C and 107 dd for pupation. Development in the laboratory from egg (less than 24 h old) to adult was completed in 59, 70, and 81 days at 20°, 17.5°, and 15°C respectively; no threshold or thermal constant was estimated because few or no individuals completed development to adult at 12.5° or 10°C within expected times, presumably because diapause was induced at these temperatures.