Field and laboratory studies on the timing of oviposition and hatching of the western black-legged tick, Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae)

The timing of oviposition and hatching of Ixodes pacificus was investigated in the field and at constant temperatures in the laboratory. Replete females held at temperatures between 9 and 29°C began depositing eggs a mean of 9–70 days after drop off. Egg masses held between 12 and 25°C commenced hatching 25–178 days after the onset of oviposition. Eggs held at 9 or 29°C did not hatch. The lower temperature thresholds for development (LTD) for oviposition and hatching were 6.5 and 9°C, respectively. The number of degree days required for oviposition and hatching was 173 and 588, respectively. Replete females placed in the field on 2 December through to 8 March deposited eggs from 2 February through to 24 April; the eggs commenced hatching between 2 July and 21 August. Unfed larvae from two of 20 egg masses survived through the winter and fed readily when exposed to deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) on 22 April. Replete larvae were returned to the field and moulted between 9 and 21 August. Larvae exposed to deer mice in August, 4 weeks after hatching, also fed readily. Although further studies are needed to clarify the timing of nymphal development, the present study suggests that I. pacificus requires more than 1 year to complete its life cycle.     

Effects of temperature on development and growth in the tick,Haemaphysalis longicornis

As a part of ecological studies onHaemaphysalis longicornis, the effects of controlled temperatures (12, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C; 100% RH) on development and growth of the tick were investigated and the critical low temperature for each stage in the life cycle was estimated. As the temperature became low, the periods of preoviposition, oviposition, egg hatching (incubation) and moulting were prolonged. At 12°C, however, oviposition, egg hatching and moulting of the larva and nymph did not occur. The critical low temperatures for oviposition, egg hatching (developmental zero) and larval and nymphal moulting which were calculated theoretically from the regression equations, were 11.1, 12.2, 10.2 and 11.8°C, respectively. The temperature also affected the egg productivity and hatch-ratio. The number of deposited eggs per mg of body weight decreased markedly at 15°C, and the hatch-ratio was lowered with dropped temperatures.     

Influence of temperature and photoperiod on embryonic development in the dragonfly Sympetrum striolatum (Odonata: Libellulidae)

Temperature and photoperiod play major roles in insect ecology. Many insect species have fixed degree‐days for embryogenesis, with minimum and maximum temperature thresholds for egg and larval development and hatching. Often, photoperiodic changes trigger the transfer into the next life‐cycle stadium. However, it is not known whether this distinct pattern also exist in a species with a high level of phenotypic plasticity in life‐history traits. In the present study, eggs of the dragonfly Sympetrum striolatum Charpentier (Odonata: Libellulidae) are reared under different constant and fluctuating temperatures and photoperiodic conditions in several laboratory and field experiments. In general, and as expected, higher temperatures cause faster egg development. However, no general temperature or light‐days for eyespot development and hatching are found. The minimum temperature thresholds are distinguished for survival (2 °C), embryogenesis (6 °C) and larval hatching (above 6 °C). Low winter temperatures synchronize hatching. Above 36 °C, no eyespots are visible and no larvae hatch. In laboratory experiments, light is neither necessary for eyespot development, nor for hatching. By contrast to the laboratory experiments, the field experiment show that naturally changing temperature and photoperiod play a significant role in the seasonal regulation of embryonic development. The post‐eyespot development is more variable and influenced by temperature and photoperiod than the pre‐eyespot development. This developmental plasticity at the end of the embryogenesis might be a general pattern in the Libellulidae, helping them to cope with variation in environmental conditions.     

Effects of temperature on hatching time and hatchling proportions in a poecilogonous population of Haminoea zelandiae

Poecilogony is a relatively uncommon life-history strategy that results in the production of two different larval forms from the same egg mass (e.g., free-swimming lecithotrophic larvae and post-metamorphic, crawling juveniles). In this study, a population of the opisthobranch gastropod Haminoea zelandiae from Pauatahanui Inlet, New Zealand, was found to exhibit poecilogony. Further, differences in development, hatching times and proportion of hatchlings that were veligers or juveniles were examined for egg masses in two temperature regimes in the laboratory: cool (15-17 °C), and warm (21-23 °C). Hatching proportions were also examined for egg masses collected from the field (where temperatures ranged from 21-23 °C) for varying lengths of time (1 d, 5 d, and 10 d post-spawning). Hatchlings from egg masses in warmer temperatures developed faster and hatched earlier than those in cool temperatures. In the laboratory, egg masses in warm conditions hatched a greater proportion of post-metamorphic juveniles (45.4%) compared to egg masses in cool conditions (24.6%) Further, egg masses that had been in the field 10 d before hatching (i.e., more days at warmer temperatures) exhibited a greater proportion of post-metamorphic juveniles (67.9%) than those that were collected after only 1 d in the field (25.1%). Together these results suggest that temperature may have an important role in mediating dispersal strategies in this poecilogonous species.     

Developmental arrest during embryonic development of the common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) in Spain

Embryonic development of the common chameleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, was monitored from oviposition to hatching at a field site in southwestern Spain and in the laboratory under five experimental temperature regimes. Embryos were diapausing gastrulae at the time of oviposition; developmental arrest in the field continued as cold torpor during winter. Postarrest development in the field commenced in April, and hatching occurred in August, for a total incubation period of 10.5 mo. In the laboratory, one group of eggs was incubated at a constant warm (26 degrees C) temperature. The remaining treatments simulated field conditions and consisted of initial periods of warm temperature of 0, 27, 46, and 71 d, a subsequent 4-mo period of cold winter (16 degrees C) temperature, and a final period of warm (26 degrees C) temperature. Embryos in the constant warm temperature treatment were in diapause an average of 3 mo, with clutch means ranging from 2 to 4 mo. Hatching among clutches occurred over 2 mo. In contrast, for field and experimental eggs that experienced cold winter conditions, hatching within treatments occurred over 2-14 d; "winter" conditions synchronized development. The length of time between the end of cold conditions and hatching did not differ among treatments; development thus resumed as soon as temperature was suitable regardless of the initial period of warm temperature. Diapause in nature thus insures that embryos remain gastrulae after oviposition despite nest temperatures that may be warm enough to support development.     

Effect of temperature on reproduction and embryonic development of the cabbage stem flea beetle,Psylliodes chrysocephala L., (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The cabbage stem flea beetle, Psylliodes chrysocephala (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a major pest of winter oilseed rape. Despite the importance of this pest, detailed information on reproduction to predict risk of crop damage is lacking. This study investigates the effect of temperature on parameters of reproduction, egg development and viability at five constant temperatures. Significant temperature effects were found on the pre‐oviposition period, total number of eggs laid, daily oviposition rate, female longevity, egg‐development rate and viability. The mean length of the pre‐oviposition period ranged from 93.1 days at 4°C to 14.6 days at 20°C. Analysis of total number of eggs laid and daily oviposition rate during female lifespan estimated the highest total number of eggs laid (696 eggs/female) at 16°C and the highest oviposition rate (6.8 eggs/female and day) at 20°C. The daily oviposition rate at 20°C was not significantly higher than 5.4 eggs/female and day at 16°C. Female longevity was significantly longer at 4°C, shorter at 20°C and not significantly different between 8, 12 and 16°C. Estimated 50% survival time of females was 239, 153, 195, 186 and 78 days at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20°C, respectively. A linear model of egg development at 8–20°C estimated the lower developmental threshold to be 5.1°C and the thermal constant for development 184.9 degree‐days. The percentage of eggs hatching was significantly lower at 4°C than at all other temperatures tested. The estimated mean hatching percentages were 47.3%, 70.0%, 72.4%, 66.2% and 67.9% at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20°C, respectively. These results can be used to predict the start and intensity of egg‐laying in the autumn and the appearance of larvae in the field from knowledge about time of field invasion and from monitoring the weather.     

Environmental constraints influencing survival of an African parasite in a north temperate habitat: effects of temperature on egg development

Factors affecting survival of parasites introduced to new geographical regions include changes in environmental temperature. Protopolystoma xenopodis is a monogenean introduced with the amphibian Xenopus laevis from South Africa to Wales (probably in the 1960s) where low water temperatures impose major constraints on life-cycle processes. Effects were quantified by maintenance of eggs from infections in Wales under controlled conditions at 10, 12, 15, 18, 20 and 25°C. The threshold for egg viability/ development was 15°C. Mean times to hatching were 22 days at 25°C, 32 days at 20°C, extending to 66 days at 15°C. Field temperature records provided calibration of transmission schedules. Although egg production continues year-round, all eggs produced during >8 months/ year die without hatching. Output contributing significantly to transmission is restricted to 10 weeks (May-mid-July). Host infection, beginning after a time lag of 8 weeks for egg development, is also restricted to 10 weeks (July-September). Habitat temperatures (mean 15·5°C in summer 2008) allow only a narrow margin for life-cycle progress: even small temperature increases, predicted with 'global warming', enhance infection. This system provides empirical data on the metrics of transmission permitting long-term persistence of isolated parasite populations in limiting environments.     

The effect of temperature on the egg incubation period of Capnia bifrons (Plecoptera: Capniidae) from Windermere (English Lake District)

Gravid females of Capnia bifrons (Newman) from Windermere (English Lake District) were almost completely ovoviviparous, the eggs hatching within 15 min after oviposition in the water. When kept in the laboratory at constant temperatures between 3.8 and 19.8°C, few females survived to lay eggs at temperatures above 12.1°C. The relationship between air temperature (T°C) and the egg incubation period (Y days between fertilisation and oviposition) was given by the regression equation: Y = 316.4 T^−0.9996 (r²= 0.957, p < 0.001). This equation successfully predicted egg incubation periods for gravid females kept in cages in the field.
Comparisons with similar studies on four non-ovoviviparous species of Plecoptera showed that egg development was rarely more rapid in C. bifrons . It was also shown that the hypothesis of ovoviviparity being an adaptation to combat low water temperatures could be rejected for C. bifrons from Windermere.     

Thermal effects on the biological parameters of the predatory mirid Pilophorus gallicus (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Pilophorus gallicus Remane (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a predatory mirid reported in deciduous trees in the western Mediterranean area. This work aimed to determine the biological and demographic parameters for this species at different temperatures (15, 20, 25 and 30°C). Egg hatching times shortened from 57.8 days at 15°C to 9.2 days at 30°C, and nymphal development times declined from 62.8 days at 15°C to 11.1 days at 30°C. The hatching and nymphal survival rates were low at 15 and 30°C. The lower thermal thresholds for the egg and nymphal development were 12.4 and 12.0°C, respectively. These high thermal thresholds could be a safety mechanism to avoid the emergence of nymphs in the unfavorable winter period. Female weight increased between 15 and 25°C and decreased at 30°C. The fecundity increased from 70.2 eggs per female at 15°C to 212.4 eggs per female at 25°C, and decreased to 88.5 eggs per female at 30°C. Fertility ranged from 9.4% at 15°C to 40.9% at 25°C, being 24.9% at 30°C. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (r_m) rose from 0.001 to 0.081 between 15 and 25°C and decreased to 0.05 at 30°C. In summary, this species performs poorly at low temperatures and has a relative tolerance of high temperatures (30°C); its performance was best at 25°C. Knowledge of the variation in the biological parameters with temperature may be very useful for the understanding of its ecology and population dynamics.     

Developmental parameters and seasonal phenology of Calepitrimerus vitis (Acari: Eriophyidae) in wine grapes of western Oregon

Developmental parameters of protogyne Calepitrimerus vitis (Nalepa) (Acari: Eriophyidae) were determined at 12, 15, 17, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34 °C to better understand seasonal activity, population growth, and ultimately more effectively manage pest mites in wine grapes. Net reproductive rate (R(o)) was greater than zero at all temperatures with the maximum R(o) (9.72) at 25 °C. The lowest estimated R(o) (0.001) occurred at 34 °C. There was a gradual decrease in mean generation time (T) as temperatures increased from 17 to 31 °C. The shortest and longest generation time was recorded at 31 °C (T = 5.5 d) and 17 °C (T = 17.5 d). Rates of natural increase were lowest at 17°C (0.035) and increased with increasing temperatures, respectively. The peak rate of natural increase value (0.141) was at 25 °C. Estimations for minimum and maximum developmental thresholds were 10.51 and 39.19 °C, respectively, while the optimum developmental temperature was 26.9 °C. The thermal constant for egg to adult development was estimated at 87.7DD. The highest fecundity was observed at 25 °C. These parameters indicated that mites begin feeding at the onset of shoot growth when tissue is most susceptible in spring. Historical weather data showed that vines are in this susceptible growth stage for longer periods in the cool Willamette Valley compared with warmer Umpqua and Applegate/Rogue Valley regions. Estimation of degree-days indicated when deutogyne mites move to overwintering refuge sites. Degree-day accumulations indicated up to 14 generations per growing season.     

Temperature and diet effects on immature development of predatory mite Typhlodromus athenas Swirski and Ragusa (Acari: Phyotseiidae)

Temperature and food quality both can influence growth rates and developmental time of herbivorous insects and mites. Typhlodromus athenas Swirski and Ragusa is an indigenous mite in the Mediterranean region and data on its temperature dependent development are lacking. In the current study, temperature-dependent development and survival of T. athenas immature stages were evaluated on eggs and all stages of Tetranychus urticae Koch, as well as on almond (Prunus amygdalis Batsch) pollen, under seven constant temperatures ranging from 15 to 35°C, 65% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. On both diets survival was considerably high at all temperatures. The longest developmental period of immature stages was recorded at 15°C, whereas the shortest was at 30°C. Female immatures on almond pollen had shorter developmental time compared to that on twospotted spider mites. Food had a significant effect on female total developmental time at temperatures lower than 25°C. The lower developmental thresholds, estimated by a linear model, for egg-to-adult of females and males fed on pollen were 8.60 and 8.77°C, respectively, whereas on T. urticae they were 10.15 and 10.62°C, respectively. Higher values of tmin for total development were estimated by a nonlinear model (Lactin-2), and ranged from 10.21°C for both females and males on almond, to 11.07 for females and 10.78°C for males on prey. Moreover, this model estimated optimal and lethal temperatures accurately. The results of this study indicate that T. athenas appears better adapted to higher temperatures that occur in the Mediterranean region and may be a useful biological control agent.     

Effect of temperature, photoperiod, flooding, and drying on the hatching pattern of the eggs of Strelkovimermis spiculatus (Nematoda: Mermithidae)

We assessed the number of Strelkovimermis spiculatus preparasites obtained from a known initial number of nematode eggs and the effect of abiotic conditions (temperature, photoperiod, flooding-drying) on the number of emerged preparasites. Two egg groups were maintained: one continuously flooded, another with flooding-drying cycles (every 15, 30, 60 days). Each egg group was studied at 25°C and 14:10 (L:D) and 16°C and 12:12 (L:D). The flooded eggs contained a higher overall percentage of S. spiculatus preparasites compared to the wet-dry-cycle eggs. The conditions of continuous flooding at 16°C and 12:12 (L:D) produced the maximum percent of emerged J2s (30±15%). Preparasites were recorded by 7 (25°C) and 14 (16°C) days, suggesting this period as the minimum time for embryonic development. The preparasite-emergence time observed from the same flooded-egg batch (98 and 112 days at 25°C and 16°C, respectively) suggested a nonsynchronous hatching, possibly through nonuniform egg embryonation. The time of exposure to drought in the assays did not significantly affect the total average percentage of J2s obtained at 25°C and 14:10 (L:D), whereas at 16°C the number of emerged J2s diminished with a prolongation of the drying period. The oviposition period was also recorded only at 16°C and 12:12 (L:D): S. spiculatus eggs were detected at 12.6 days after postparasite emergence, and oviposition was complete at 51days under those conditions. We propose a flooding schedule to optimize the mass-rearing of S. spiculatus.     

Temperature-dependent development and oviposition models of Ramulus irregulariterdentatus (Phasmida: Phasmatidae)

Public interest in Ramulus irregulariterdentatus as a pet insect in Korea is increasing, although it is also considered as a potential forest insect pest. The objective of this study was to construct development and oviposition models of R. irregulariterdentatus. Development rates were fitted with a nonlinear Briére model which estimated optimal temperatures to be 24.5 and 26.2?°C with upper development thresholds of 29.3 and 31.4?°C for egg and nymph, respectively. In a linear model, lower development thresholds were 7.6 and 5.2?°C for egg and nymph, respectively. Survivorship was the highest at 21.0 and 22.2?°C for egg and nymph, respectively. Mean fecundity ranged from 14.4 eggs at 17.5?°C to 32.0 eggs at 23.5?°C. It was fitted to an extreme value function. Adult survival and cumulative oviposition rate of R. irregulariterdentatus were fitted to a sigmoid function and a two-parameter Weibull function, respectively. These models can be used to forecast phenology and population dynamics of R. irregulariterdentatus in the fields and optimize environmental conditions for rearing R. irregulariterdentatus.     

Embryonic developmental rates of northern grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae): implications for climate change and habitat management

Accurate models of temperature-dependent embryonic developmental rates are important to assess the effects of a changing climate on insect life cycles and to suggest methods of population management by habitat manipulation. Embryonic development determines the life cycle of many species of grasshoppers, which, in cold climates, spend two winters in the egg stage. Increasing temperatures associated with climate change in the subarctic could potentiate a switch to a univoltine life cycle. However, egg hatch could be delayed by maintaining a closed vegetative canopy, which would lower soil temperatures by shading the soil surface. Prediapause and postdiapause embryonic developmental rates were measured in the laboratory over a wide range of temperatures for Melanoplus borealis Fieber and Melanoplus sanguinipes F. (Orthoptera: Acrididae) A model was fit to the data and used to predict dates of egg hatch in the spring and prediapause development in the fall under different temperature regimens. Actual soil temperatures were recorded at several locations over 5 yr. To simulate climate warming, 2, 3, or 4°C was added to each hourly recorded temperature. Results suggest that a 2, 3, or 4°C increase in soil temperatures will result in eggs hatching ≈ 3, 5, or 7 d earlier, respectively. An increase of 3°C would be required to advance prediapause development enough to allow for a portion of the population to be univoltine in warmer years. To simulate shading, 2 and 4°C were subtracted from observed temperatures. A 4°C decrease in temperatures could potentially delay hatch by 8 d.     

利用甘蔗饲养红棕象甲的技术

介绍一种以甘蔗为饲料饲养红棕象甲Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Fab.的方法。将新鲜甘蔗切成段,置于培养皿中,放入恒温培养箱内,设置温度:(26±1)℃,RH:80%±10%,光周期:L∶D=0∶24。利用该方法饲养的红棕象甲世代历期130.80d,老熟幼虫平均体重5.51g,成虫单雌产卵量144.42粒,世代存活率21.67%。甘蔗饲养红棕象甲成本低,生物学特性恒定,可作为替代寄主扩繁虫源。     

Developmental times and age-specific life tables for Lygus lineolaris (Heteroptera: Miridae), reared at multiple constant temperatures

Developmental times and survivorship of tarnished plant bug nymphs, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), and longevity and reproduction of adult tarnished plant bug adults reared on green beans were studied at multiple constant temperatures. The developmental time for each life stage and the total time from egg to adult decreased with increasing temperature. Eggs required the longest time to develop followed by fifth instars and then first-instars. Total developmental time from egg to adult was shortest at 32°C, requiring 18.0 ± 0.3 d and 416.7 ± 31.3 DD above 7.9°C, the estimated minimum temperature for development from egg to adult. Sex did not affect total developmental times and did not affect median survival time. Adults lived significantly fewer days at high temperatures (30-32°C: 17-19 d) compared with temperatures below 30°C (range: 24.5-39.4 d) and the number of eggs laid per day increased from ≈ 4 at 18°C to a maximum of 9.5 eggs per day at 30°C. Total egg production over the lifetime of female tarnished plant bugs increased with temperature reaching a maximum of 175 eggs on average at 27°C, total egg production declined at temperatures above 27°C (30°C: 110.8, 32°C: 77.3 eggs per female). The highest net reproductive rate 74.5 (R(0)) was obtained from insects maintained at 27°C. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (r(m)) increased linearly with temperature to a maximum value of 0.1852 at 30°C, and then decreased at 32°C. Generation and doubling times of the population were shortest at 30°C, 21.0 and 3.7 d, respectively.     

Seasonal and inter-annual variations of gas exchange in thirteen woody species along a climatic gradient in the Mediterranean island of Mallorca

We studied the influence of summer drought and winter temperatures on seasonal and spatial variations of light-saturated net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance in Mediterranean woody species. We measured variations in leaf gas exchange over 3 years in 13 Mediterranean trees and shrubs, located at four different sites along a climate gradient of temperature and precipitation in the island of Mallorca (West Mediterranean basin). Net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were at a maximum during spring, autumn or winter and at a minimum during summer in most sites, species and years. Nevertheless, important spatial, temporal and species-specific variations were observed. Summer drought limitation to gas exchange was greatest in the dry part of the transect, where many species showed their maximum gas exchange rate during winter. In contrast, winter temperatures limited gas exchange of many species at the wet and cool end of the transect, while summer depression of gas exchange was shorter and less pronounced. These results suggest that the effect on carbon fixation and productivity by the predicted future increase of aridity in the Mediterranean basin will depend on whether gas exchange is mostly limited by summer drought or by low winter temperatures.     

Synchronization of larval emergence in winter moth (Operophtera brumata L.) and budburst in pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) under simulated climate change

1. The hypothesis that a 3 °C elevation in temperature and doubled CO₂ concentration would have no effect on the synchronization of winter moth egg hatch with budburst in oak was tested by comparing the separate and interactive effects of ambient and elevated (+ 3 °C) temperature and ambient and elevated (doubled to 340 p.p.m.) CO₂ in eight experimental Solardomes. In addition, an outdoor control was compared with the ambient temperature/CO₂ treatment combination.
2. Elevated temperature accelerated darkening (preceding egg hatch by about 5–10 days) and hatching of eggs developing off the trees; elevated CO₂ had no effect. The same effects were observed in eggs developing on the trees.
3. Within treatments, date of egg hatch was the same on trees with early or late budburst.
4. Egg darkening and budburst were closely synchronized at both ambient and elevated temperatures.
5. Both eggs and trees required fewer cumulative heat units (day degrees > 4 °C), for hatching and budburst, respectively, at ambient than elevated temperatures. The requirements in the outdoor control treatment were similar to those in the ambient Solardome treatment.
6. Egg hatch between 10 and 25 °C, on a temperature gradient in the laboratory, required a constant number of heat units; fewer were required below 10 °C.
7. Elevated temperatures, in the Solardomes and the field, delayed adult emergence from the pupae.
8. The results suggest that a general increase in temperature with climatic change would not affect the closeness of the synchronization between egg hatch of winter moth and budburst of oak.     

Temperature-dependent development of Chilocorus bipustulatus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The effect of temperature on development and survival of Chilocorus bipustulatus L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a predator of many scale insects, was studied under laboratory conditions. The duration of development of egg, first, second, third, and fourth larval instars, pupa, and preovioposition period at seven constant temperatures (15, 17.5, 20, 25, 30, 32.5, and 35°C) was measured. Development time decreased significantly with increasing temperature within the range 15-30°C. Survival was higher at medium temperatures (17.5-30(ο)C) in comparison with that at more extreme temperature regimens (15 and >30(ο)C). Egg and first larval instars were the stages where C. bipustulatus suffered the highest mortality levels at all temperatures. The highest survival was recorded when experimental individuals were older than the third larval instar. Thermal requirements of development (developmental thresholds, thermal constant, optimum temperature) of C. bipustulatus were estimated with application of linear and one nonlinear models (Logan I). Upper and lower developmental thresholds ranged between 35.2-37.9 and 11.1-13.0°C, respectively. The optimum temperature for development (where maximum rate of development occurs) was estimated at between 33.6 and 34.7°C. The thermal constant for total development was estimated 474.7 degree-days.     

Influence of temperature on female,embryonic and hatchling traits in syntopic newts,Ichthyosaura alpestris and Lissotriton vulgaris

Amphibian populations have been declining globally for the last several decades, and climate change is often regarded as one of the most important factors driving these declines. Amphibians are particularly sensitive to climatic changes due to their physiological, ecological and behavioral characteristics. Here we performed a laboratory experiment to investigate how temperature affects ovipositing females, eggs and hatchlings in two syntopic populations of alpine newts, Ichthyosaura alpestris, and smooth newts, Lissotriton vulgaris. Female newts were assigned to two different oviposition temperatures (11 °C and 14 °C) for the duration of their oviposition period. Deposited eggs were equally divided and assigned to three different incubation temperatures (11 °C, 14 °C and 17 °C). We hypothesized that oviposition will be affected by temperature, that the combination of different oviposition and incubation temperatures may have an effect on embryonic and hatchling traits (embryonic mortality, days to hatch and hatchling length), and that these effects might differ between the two newt species. Temperature affected the number of deposited eggs in smooth newts, but not in alpine newts. Larval hatching success was not affected by oviposition or incubation temperature. Temperature effects on hatching time and hatchling length differed between the two species. These results suggest that temperature changes may have disparate effects on amphibian reproduction, even in syntopic taxa.