Effect of Temperature on Development and Survival of the Mermithid Filipjevimermis leipsandra

The development and survival of egg, juvenile (parasitic), preovipositing, and ovipositing stages of the parasitic mermithid Filipjevimermis leipsandra were determined at eight temperatures. Infection of the host, Diabrotica balteata, peaked at 30 C and fell off sharply at warmer or cooler temperatures. No development, oviposition, or infection occurred at < 20 C. Fecundity was highest at 25 C, and 50% of the eggs were laid in the first 4-7 days of oviposition.