Eggs Of Spodoptera Frugiperda Research Articles

Automated Flight Capacity Assessment of Parasitoids on Spodoptera frugiperda Eggs Treated with Synthetic 2-Cyano-N-(3-(N-(Thiazol-2-yl) Sulfamoyl) Phenyl) Acetamide Derivatives

Automated Flight Capacity Assessment of Parasitoids on Spodoptera frugiperda Eggs Treated with Synthetic 2-Cyano-N-(3-(N-(Thiazol-2-yl) Sulfamoyl) Phenyl) Acetamide Derivatives

Insecticidal bisindole alkaloids from leaves of Tabernaemontana divaricata 'Dwaft'

Six undescribed bisindole alkaloids, namely taberdisines A–F (1–6), were isolated from the leaves of Tabernaemontana divaricata 'Dwaft'. Among them, alkaloids 1 and 2 were the first examples of strychnos–iboga type alkaloid with both C–C linkage patterns. Alkaloid 3, a new type of aspidosperma–iboga with a furan-ring, as well as other three undescribed ones was disclosed. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. Alkaloids 1 and 5 showed insecticide activity on Sf9 cell and eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda in vivo, which might explain the potential of the plants for insect resistance.

Dual Effects of Cold Storage and Stored Host Eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on the Reproductive Capacity of Telenomus remus Nixon (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae).

Spodoptera frugiperda is the preferred host of the parasitoid Telenomus remus. Cold storage can preserve a sufficient quantity of parasitoids and their hosts in a laboratory colony for mass release. First, the effects of cold storage on the reproductive capacity of T. remus reared on non-stored S. frugiperda eggs and the hatching rate of unparasitized S. frugiperda eggs were investigated. Further, the dual effects of cold storage and stored S. frugiperda eggs on the reproductive capacity of T. remus were studied to determine the optimal storage conditions and the maximal shelf life for both the host and the parasitoid. The emergence rate, the number of adults produced, and the female proportion of T. remus were affected by cold storage factors. Pupae stored at 13 °C for 15 days is optimum for T. remus reared on non-stored S. frugiperda eggs. Spodoptera frugiperda eggs could only be stored at 10 °C for five days to be suitable for rearing T. remus. The optimum cold storage conditions for T. remus parasitizing stored eggs were 7 °C for 5 days in the larval stage. The maximal shelf lives of T. remus parasitizing cold-stored S. frugiperda eggs were 10 days. Cold storage affected the hatching rate of S. frugiperda eggs, thereby further affecting the reproductive capacity of T. remus. The findings suggest that different storage conditions should be used when mass-rearing T. remus on stored and non-stored eggs. Telenomus remus should be reproduced using fresh laid S. frugiperda eggs for maximum shelf life.

Identification of Chelonus sp. from Zambia and Its Performance on Different Aged Eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a migratory pest endemic, to tropical and subtropical regions of America. Biological control can effectively and sustainably control pests over a long period of time while reducing the frequency of pesticide use and ensuring the safety of agricultural produce. In our study, the egg-larval Chelonus species (Chelonus bifoveolatus) from parasitized eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda in Zambia were described and identified based on morphological and genetic characteristics. To evaluate the efficiency of C. bifoveolatus, their parasitism suitability on 0- to 2-day FAW eggs under laboratory conditions was compared. The results showed that C. bifoveolatus could accept all FAW eggs at 0-, 1- and 2-day-old age and complete development successfully. Significant differences were found among 0-, 1-, and 2-day-old host eggs with respect to egg-larva developmental duration of C. bifoveolatus, and the egg-larva developmental duration on 2-day-old eggs was significantly lower than those on 0- and 1-day-old eggs. No significant differences were observed in the parasitism, pupation, emergence, and female rates for C. bifoveolatus on various age eggs of FAW. Generally, the parasitism rate, pupal rate, and emergence rate at various ages of FAW eggs were higher than 90%, 75%, and 82%, respectively, and the longevity of female parasitoids was longer than male parasitoids, and the sex ratio of females to males was nearly 1:1. Our results indicate that C. bifoveolatus performed well on various ages of FAW eggs and is a potential biological control agent against FAW in Africa.

How omnivory affects the survival and choices of earwig Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae)?

Doru luteipes (Scudder, 1876) is an omnivorous predator that finds different food resources in the corn plant: eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797), uredospores of Puccinia polysora (Underw, 1897), and pollen. Knowing the survival and food preferences of this predator is essential to define its relevance as a biological control agent. We hypothesize that the foraging behavior and predatory capacity of D. luteipes may be affected when several food resources, especially eggs of S. frugiperda, uredospores of P. polysora, and pollen are concurrently in the same plant. The survival of D. luteipes in the nymph stage and their preference among food resources, often available in corn plants, were determined. To verify the survival of D. luteipes, newly hatched nymphs were fed exclusively with 1- uredospores of P. polysora, 2- eggs of S. frugiperda, 3- corn pollen, 4- a combination of uredospores + eggs, and 5- artificial diet (control). In another experiment, nymphs and adults of D. luteipes with 24 and 48 hours of fasting were individually released in the center of a container with four diets: 1- uredospores of P. polysora, 2- eggs of S. frugiperda, 3- corn pollen, 4- artificial diet, and maintained for 10 minutes, to evaluate the food choice and feeding time. The exclusive feeding with S. frugiperda eggs caused low nymph survival (8%), but the combination of P. polysora uredospores + S. frugiperda eggs allowed 58.3% survival. D. luteipes preferred feeding during the nighttime and the most significant proportions of choices by nymphs and adults were for pollen and diet, with adults spending more time eating pollen. These findings indicate that the trophic choices of D. luteipes are relevant to understand its contribution as an agent to control pest insects and fungal diseases in corn.

Performance of three Trichogramma species as biocontrol agents on Spodoptera frugiperda eggs

Performance of three Trichogramma species as biocontrol agents on Spodoptera frugiperda eggs

Telenomus r emus (Nixon) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) Biology and Life Table on Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs

Telenomus remus (Nixon) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), is an endoparasitoid on eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). T. remus information as a natural enemy of S. frugiperda is limited. The research objective was to determine some biological aspects of T. remus, i.e., longevity, fecundity, and life table variables. The demographic statistics used the jackknife method. The parasitoids were obtained from the eggs of S. frugiperda from a maize plantation in the field. The released parasitoids were identified in the laboratory. Parasitoid identified as T. remus used to biological observations, life tables, sex ratios, and parasitization rate. The immature stage of T. remus reached 8.13 days, the longevity of the male was 10.07 days, while a female was 10.29 days with a fecundity of 75 eggs, and a sex ratio of male and female was 1:2.03. The life table parameters of T. remus, i.e., gross reproduction rate (GRR) was 74.987 individuals/generation, net reproduction rate (R0) was 67.485 females/female/generation, with generation period (T) was 8.541 days, and intrinsic growth rate (r) was 0.493 females/female/day. The Parasitization rate of T. remus reaches 91%. This research showed that T. remus has the potential natural enemy to control S. frugiperda.

Biology and life tables of Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) as parasitoid of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), is an endoparasitoid on eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). S. frugiperda. The information of T. remus as a natural enemy of S. frugiperda is very limited. The research objective is to determine some biological aspects of T. remus, i.e. longevity, fecundity, and life table variables. The demographic statistics using the jackknife method. T. remus is collected from the field identified as T. remus. The immature stage of T. remus reached 8.13 days, the longevity of the male was 10.07 days, while a female was 10.29 days with a fecundity of 75 eggs, and a sex ratio of male and female was 1:2.16. T. remus life table, i.e. gross reproduction rate (GRR) was 74.67 individuals/generation, net reproduction rate (R0) was 45260.60 females/females/generation, with generation period (T) was 8.62 days, and intrinsic rate of increase (r) was 1.24 females/female/day. The success parasitization of T. remus reaches 91%.

Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) parasitism on Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs: different parasitoid and host egg ages

Abstract: Release of egg parasitoids for biological control of pests is a promising technique in integrated pest management (IPM). However, there is a lack of information on the performance of parasitoid females of different ages, and specifically on the behavior of the parasitoid Telenomus remus towards pest eggs at different stages of embryonic development. Thus, the relationships between host age, parasitoid age, and parasitism by T. remus on Spodoptera frugiperda eggs were evaluated. Three separate bioassays were performed, each in a completely randomized design. In the first bioassay, T. remus females grouped by age in days (ranging from 1 to 10 days old) were offered 100 ± 20 eggs of S. frugiperda for 24 hours. In the second bioassay, 100 ± 20 eggs of S. frugiperda (24, 48 or 72 hours old) were offered to females of T. remus for 24 hours. In the third bioassay, 24, 48- and 72-hour-old host eggs of S. frugiperda were offered to T. remus females in a choice test. The variables evaluated were: number of parasitized eggs, parasitoid emergence (%), and sex ratio of progeny in bioassays 1 and 2, and the number of eggs parasitized in bioassay 3. The age of T. remus females did not affect the number of S. frugiperda eggs parasitized or emergence of the progeny. However, the sex ratio was more male-biased in the progeny of 1- and 2-day-old females compared to older wasps. In bioassay 2, the highest parasitism was observed in 24- and 48-hour-old eggs. Percentage emergence and sex ratios were not influenced by the ages of the eggs tested. Telenomus remus preferred to parasitize 24-hour-old eggs in bioassays 3. Overall, the age of T. remus females tested did not affect the parasitism of S. frugiperda eggs, but the number of eggs parasitized decreased with increasing host age.

Attraction of Chelonus insularis to host and host habitat volatiles during the search of Spodoptera frugiperda eggs

Egg parasitoids use different strategies than do larval parasitoids to locate hosts. The wasp Chelonus insularis Cresson is a key egg parasitoid of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), one of the main insect pests of maize (Zea mays L.). Using a Y-glass tube olfactometer, in this study we determined the roles of chemical cues from host and host habitats used by C. insularis when they search for FAW eggs. We found that C. insularis females were attracted to volatiles emitted by host egg masses, host females (i.e., sex pheromone), and maize seedlings with and without FAW eggs. The responses of the parasitoids to host and maize seedling volatiles increased after their first oviposition experience, making it possible for females to discriminate between maize seedlings with and without FAW eggs. The information generated in this study may be useful in the development of future biological control programs of S. frugiperda using C. insularis in either augmentation or conservation approaches.

Biological aspects and predation behavior of Ceraeochrysa cubana against Spodoptera frugiperda

Mortality of neonate larvae and eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda has an important contribution to the management of this pest. This work aimed to determine the development, quantify the consumption, the time of search and handling of eggs of S. frugiperda by Cereaochrysa cubana. The duration of development and the survival of C. cubana were determined using eggs of the alternative prey Anagasta kuehniella; eggs, newborn caterpillars and combined feeding of egg + newborn caterpillars of S. frugiperda. The daily and total consumption, the search and handling time were also evaluated, comparing eggs and caterpillars of S. frugiperda as prey. The duration of the larvae to adult phase of C. cubana was prolonged when the food was newborn caterpillars or eggs + newborn caterpillars of S. frugiperda (35.7 and 34.6 days) when compared to eggs of A. kuehniella and S. frugiperda (25.5 and 25.9 days). The predator’s larvae showed a shorter larval and adult period when fed with eggs in relation to caterpillars. Larval viability of C. cubana was lower when fed with eggs + newborn caterpillars. Higher consumption and shorter search and handling time on newborn caterpillars of S. frugiperda, compared to prey eggs, are carried out by larvae of C. cubana during the third instar.

Influence of host preference, mating, and release density on the parasitism of Telenomus remus (Nixon) (Hymenoptera, Platygastridae)

We evaluated the influence of host preference, mating, and release density on Telenomus remus (Nixon, 1937) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) parasitizing eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). First, we tested host preference of T. remus (free choice test) offered a choice between eggs of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton, 1865) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and S. frugiperda. Parasitism capacity and host preference (S. frugiperda) of T. remus reared on either of the two hosts did not differ. Secondly, we evaluated the influence of mating behavior of T. remus females on its parasitism. Only the offspring sex ratio differed between treatments, indicating that the species reproduces by parthenogenesis of the arrhenotoky type. Finally, we evaluated the influence of release density on T. remus parasitism. This was tested by releasing different numbers of the parasitoid per S. frugiperda egg using T. remus reared for different numbers of generations on C. cephalonica eggs. The regression analysis between percentage of parasitism and density of released T. remus females showed a quadratic effect for all tested parasitoid generations (F35, F40, and F45) with maximum parasitism from 65.07% to 71.69%. Our results allow the conclusion that (a) T. remus prefers S. frugiperda eggs, regardless of the host on which this parasitoid was reared, showing no preimaginal conditioning; (b) Mating does not affect the number of eggs parasitized by T. remus or the development of its offspring; and (c) The optimal T. remus release density when reared on C. cephalonica is between 0.133 and 0.150 females/S. frugiperda.

Effects of Self-Superparasitism and Temperature on Biological Traits of Two Neotropical Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) Species.

It is common for a female trichogrammatid to lay more than one egg per host, a phenomenon known as self-superparasitism, which exposes her offspring to intraspecific, intrinsic competition (IIC) with its own siblings. Information about how often self-superparasitism occurs and how IIC interacts with abiotic factors is rare, especially regarding the Neotropical Trichogramma species. Here we determined the frequency of self-superparasitism in Trichogramma atopovirilia Oatman & Platner (Ta) and T. pretiosum Riley (Tp), and the effects of IIC and temperature on the sex ratio, egg-to-adulthood period, and survivorship of both species' offspring. Individual females were offered eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) for 30 min. A group of parasitized hosts was then dissected for determination of the self-superparasitism frequency, while another group was incubated at 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, and 33°C. High rates of self-superparasitism were found in both Ta (0.55 ± 0.07) and Tp (0.62 ± 0.06). IIC interacted with temperature decreasing Ta and Tp's survivorship, lengthening the egg-to-adulthood period in Tp and shortening it in Ta, and balancing Ta's sex ratio. Based on survivorship rate, Ta and Tp could not be differentiated if their immatures develop in absence of IIC. However, in its presence, Tp was 3 × more likely to survive than Ta at 33°C, while at 15°C Ta survived 2× better than Tp These results show that self-superparasitism can be very common in both Ta and Tp, and that its effects on the species' biological traits and competitiveness strongly depend on the IIC-temperature interaction.

Size and flight ability of Telenomus remus parasitoids reared on eggs of the factitious host Corcyra cephalonica

In two independent bioassays, size and flight ability of parasitoids reared on eggs of Corcyra cephalonica for 19 generations and parasitoids reared on a natural host (Spodoptera frugiperda eggs) for 250 generations were compared as fast quality control procedures for insect rearing. The size of parasitoids was examined by morphometric analysis using a stereoscope. Length and width of the wings, right hind tibia, and the body of 20 individuals (males and females) were measured. In the analysis of flight ability, parasitoids were divided into three groups: individuals able to fly (“flyers”), individuals that did not fly but had no visible deformation (“walkers”), and individuals with visible deformation (“deformed”). We observed that parasitoids were larger when reared on the natural host than on the factitious host for all evaluated morphological characters. However, there was no significant difference between the treatments regarding the number of “flyers”, “walkers” or “deformed” parasitoids. This indicates that even though the rearing of T. remus on a factitious host affects parasitoid size, it does not necessarily affect its flight ability and therefore suggests that C. cephalonica is suitable as a factitious host for mass rearing of T. remus. Other biological parameters still need to be evaluated, such as host finding ability, parasitism capacity, and parasitoid field efficacy in order to provide a more complete picture of the effects caused by a host change. However, because fast laboratory tests are needed in rearing facilities, the one used in this study might be useful to rapidly assess parasitoid quality.

English

Factitious hosts are largely used in parasitoid production. However, changes in parasitism capacity may happen when hosts are switched. Therefore, the ability of a parasitoid species to be reared on factitious host and still keep high level of parasitism on the natural target pest after successive rearing can determine parasitoid quality and must be investigated. Thus, we evaluated Telenomus remus parasitism on Corcyra cephalonica eggs compared with its natural host, Spodoptera frugiperda eggs, for different generations. After being reared on C. cephalonica, T. remus parasitism on S. frugiperda was evaluated to measure different T. remus biological parameters and parasitism capacity (parasitoid quality). Gradual increase in C. cephalonica eggs parasitized was observed over the generations, stabilizing on generation F7. The number of parasitized C. cephalonica eggs was similar among generations (from generation F7 to F19). Taking the lifetime parasitism into consideration, parasitism capacity is similar from T. remus reared on S. frugiperda eggs from those reared on C. cephalonica eggs (generation F19). When laboratory-produced T. remus on C. cephalonica eggs was exposed to the natural host, parasitism was higher on F5 generation and stable from generations F5 to F19. Therefore, parasitoids did not lose their ability to parasitize eggs of natural host assuring good quality of the laboratory-produced parasitoid using C. cephalonica eggs as factitious host.   Key words: Spodoptera frugiperda, Corcyra cephalonica, pre-imaginal condition, egg parasitoid, biological control.

The Importance of Relative Humidity for Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) Parasitism and Development on Corcyra cephalonica (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Eggs

The rearing of Telenomus remus (Nixon 1937) has been limited due to the difficulty of its development in its natural host, the eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith). Environmental conditions can strongly affect egg’s parasitoid rearing on factitious hosts; however, until now only the effects of temperature have been studied. The importance of relative humidity in T. remus parasitism is poorly understood; therefore, this study evaluated its parasitism on Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton, 1866) and S. frugiperda eggs under different humidity regimes. Lifetime parasitism and parasitism viability were higher on S. frugiperda eggs and did not differ among humidity regimes. However, these biological parameters were higher at 80% humidity than at both 40 and 60% humidity when T. remus was reared on C. cephalonica eggs. The sex ratio was always higher than 0.6 for all hosts and humidity regimes. Parental female longevity was only influenced by humidity when presented to C. cephalonica eggs: it was higher at 60 and 80% humidity. T. remus egg-to-adult period was longer in C. cephalonica eggs; however, no difference between humidity regimes was noted. In general, relative humidity affected T. remus development only when it was reared on C. cephalonica eggs. For this factitious host, 80% humidity was shown to be appropriate for egg parasitoid rearing due to its better biological performance.

Interspecific interaction between Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) and Trichogramma pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs

This work aims to evaluate the interspecific interaction between Trichogramma pretiosum and Telenomus remus, two biological control agents of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) eggs. Eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda previously parasitized by Telenomus remus were offered to Trichogramma pretiosum, and those parasitized by Trichogramma pretiosum were offered to Telenomus remus. The previously parasitized eggs were tested at different embryonic development stages for each parasitoid. In addition, to evaluate the competition between species, Spodoptera frugiperda eggs were offered to the parasitoids simultaneously. The behavior of the insects was recorded under a stereomicroscope. When Spodoptera frugiperda eggs were previously exposed to either parasitoid, there was no emergence of the other parasitoid. When the Telenomus remus and Trichogramma pretiosum females were placed together with Spodoptera frugiperda eggs, Telenomus remus had a greater parasitism rate. Except searching time, all Trichogramma pretiosum behaviors took a longer time than Telenomus remus behaviors. Thus, despite belonging to different families, each of these parasitoids is able to recognize host eggs previously parasitized by the other. So, this suggests that the recognition mechanism involved is not exclusively specific.

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs as alternative food for rearing of lady beetles Eriopis connexa (Germar) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Eriopis connexa (Germar) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is an important predator with potential for biological control of insect pests. This research evaluated the development of E. connexa larvae fed on fresh eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) without (T1) or with (T2) scales or one-day (T3) or six-month (T4) frozen, or newly-hatched larvae of S. frugiperda (T5). The percentage of E. connexa adults was higher when larvae feeding on fresh S. frugiperda eggs with or without scales, or one-day frozen eggs of this prey and lower with eggs of this Lepidoptera after frozen for six months or with newly-hatched larvae of S. frugiperda. Duration of the larval period of E. connexa was 15.7, 15.8, 16.0, 17.6, and 17.3days, respectively, with these diets. The high survival of E. connexa fed with eggs of S. frugiperda shows the potential use of this prey in the laboratory to maintain this natural enemy.

Insecticide activity of piperine: Toxicity to eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and phytotoxicity on several vegetables

Products made from piperine are important for the management of pests, but allelopathic studies for these products are also relevant. The aims of the study were: First, to evaluate the effect of piperine on Spodoptera frugipera and Diatraea saccharalis and as second objective, to evaluate the allelopathic and phytotoxicity effects of this compound in the germination and growth of several vegetables. The piperine was applied on eggs laid by both lepidopteran species and on sand used as a substrate for the seeds plants. The hatching in recently laid eggs of S. frugiperda and D. saccharalis with piperine was lower than older eggs. Allium cepa presented a higher percentage of germination at 0.5 and at 5.0 mg/Kg andLactuca sativa the lowest. The highest length of seedling was for the A. cepa. The piperine shows biological impact on eggs of S. frugiperda and D. saccharalis as well as in the germination and growth of plants tested. Key words: Allelopathic, extracts, hatching, lepidoptera, phytotoxicity, piperine, vegetables.

Biological characteristics and parasitism capacity of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae) on eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)

This study aimed at evaluating the biological characteristics and the capacity of parasitism of a Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1869 (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae) strain (T. pretiosum RV) collected in Rio Verde County, State of Goiás, Brazil. The study was carried out on eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) and conducted under controlled environmental conditions at different constant temperatures. The biological parameters determined were: developmental time (egg-adult; days); emergence (%); sex ratio; number of progeny/egg; number of generation/year; thermal constant (K); temperature threshold (Tb); daily number of parasitized eggs; cumulative parasitism (%); total number of eggs parasitized by T. pretiosum; and female longevity. To study the T. pretiosum parasitism capacity, 20 S. frugiperda eggs (< 24 h old) were placed into 8.0 cm x 2.0 cm glass vials containing one female (< 24 h old) each. Trials were carried out in a completely randomized experimental design, with 20 replications at each temperature. The environmental chambers (BOD type) were set at 18ºC, 20ºC, 22ºC, 25ºC, 28ºC and 32ºC ± 1ºC, 70 ±10% relative humidity, and 14/10 h (L:D) photoperiod. The eggs of S. frugiperda were replaced daily until parasitoid death. Results have shown an inverse correlation between developmental time and temperature, with statistically significant differences among means, except at 25ºC and 28ºC (10 days). Parasitoid emergence (%) was also influenced by temperature. The lowest percent emergence was observed at 32ºC, and the highest ones at 18ºC and 20ºC temperatures. The temperature did not affect T. pretiosum sex ratio and number of parasitoids per egg, thus allowing changes in the temperature to control insect mass production in the laboratory to meet the needs for field releases.