Temperature-dependent oviposition model of Scopula subpunctaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

Abstract

• Temperature significantly influence oviposition S. subpunctaria. • Male adults lived shorter than female did. • The temperature-dependent oviposition model was constructed. Scopula subpunctaria , is one of important defoliating insect pests of tea plants in China. However, the effect of temperature on its longevity and fecundity had not been reported, and the temperature-dependent oviposition model is lacking. The reproductive characteristics of S. subpunctaria were investigated under eight constant temperatures (13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 33℃), with a 14L: 10D photoperid and 65–85% RH. The results showed that temperature significantly influence oviposition period, longevity, and fecundity of S. subpunctaria . The mean longevity of female adults increased from 10.8 days (33℃) to 33.9 days (13℃). Male lived shorter than female did. The mean longevity of males was shortest at 33℃ (8.1 days) and longest at 23.8℃ (17.6 days). Total fecundity of S. subpunctaria females ranged from 15.4 eggs at 33℃ to 279.9 eggs at 22℃. The temperature-dependent oviposition model of S. subpunctaria was constructed based on four sub-models (developmental rate model, total fecundity model, oviposition rate model, and survival rate model). The results of this study would be helpful in forecasting and predicting population occurrence of S. subpunctaria in tea plantations.