Temperature-Dependent Development of Eriopis connexa (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract

Temperature-dependent development in a ladybeetle, Eriopis connexa Mulsant, was determined at seven constant temperatures between 10 and 34°C. Egg hatch at 10°C was 0% after 75 days. Egg hatch at temperatures between 14 and 26°C averaged 67%, and 43% of the eggs hatched at 30 and 34°C. None of the larvae developed into pupae at 10°C. Larval mortality was 33.1% at 14°C and ranged between 3.6 and 17.7% at 18–34°C. Development from oviposition to adult ranged from 53.3 days at 14°C to 10.9 days at 34°C. Lower developmental thresholds were 9.5, 9.9, and 5.9°C for eggs, larvae, and pupae, respectively. Overall, heat-unit requirements for development from egg to adult were 259.1 degree-days above a developmental threshold of 9.2°C. The ability of E. connexa to develop at relatively cool temperatures is discussed in a comparison with other temperate aphidophagous coccinellids.