Effect of temperature on the life history and demographic parameters of Spalgis epius (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), a candidate biological control agent of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Many species of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are serious pests of economically important crops worldwide. We evaluated the influence of constant temperatures: 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 and 34°C on the life history and demographic parameters of Spalgis epius (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), a candidate biological control agent of various species of mealybugs. No eggs completed their development at 14 and 34°C. Egg-to-adult developmental time significantly decreased from 89.9 days at 16°C to 20.4 days at 32°C. The estimated lower temperature threshold of 10.2°C and 416.6 degree-days were required to complete egg-to-adult development. The mortality of immature stages was maximum at 16 and 32°C and minimum at 28°C. The highest lifetime fecundity was recorded at 28°C and it significantly decreased at 32°C. The longevity of adults was about three times more at 16°C than at 30 and 32°C. The net reproductive rate (R ₀) significantly increased with increased temperatures up to 28°C and significantly decreased at 32°C. The mean generation time (T) significantly decreased with increased temperature up to 30°C, but it significantly increased at 32°C. The intrinsic rate of population increase (r _m ) was highest at 30°C. The finite rate of increase (λ) was significantly greater at 30°C than at other temperatures. These data suggest that S. epius can develop, reproduce and survive in a wide range of temperatures and thus could be regarded a potential biological control agent of mealybugs.