Ophmella communa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a biological control agent of Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Asterales: Asteraceae). To reveal its climate adaptation, the effect of temperature on life traits of Aenasius arizonensis, a parasitoid of Phenacoccus solenopsis was studied. The results showed that both the highest parasitism and emergence rates of A. arizonensis were observed at 31 degrees C. The parasitism and emergence rates of the parasitoid significantly increased with the increasing temperature from 19 degrees C to 31 degrees C, but dropped when the temperature exceeded 31 degrees C. Female ratio reached a higher value at 19, 22, 31, 34 or 37 degrees C. The minimum threshold temperatures for female and male parasitoids were 11.5 and 11.2 degrees C, respectively. The effective accumulative temperatures for the parasitoid to develop from eggs to both female and male adults were 222.2 day-degrees. Since the highest parasitism rate, the highest emergence rate and a higher female ratio were observed at 31 degrees C, we conclude that the optimum temperature for mass rearing of A. arizonensis is 31 degrees C in the insectary based on the results of our study.
He, LF; Li, P; Zhou, ZS; Xu, ZF
Temperature-dependent parasitism and development in Aenasius arizonensis Girault (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a solitary endoparasitoid of Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
International Journal Of Pest Management