Effect of temperature on life table parameters of Podisus nigrispinus (Het., Pentatomidae) fed with Alabama argillacea (Lep., Noctuidae) larvae

Abstract: The influence of temperature on life table parameters of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Het., Pentatomidae) fed with Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lep., Noctuidae) larvae was studied. This predator was kept at constant temperatures of 20, 23, 25, 28, 30 and 33±0.2°C, at relative humidity of 60±10% and photoperiod of L : D 14 : 10. Gross (GRR) and net ( R ₀) reproductive rates of P. nigrispinus ranged from 1.6 to 366.6 and from 0.02 to 189.5 females/female at temperatures of 33 and 28°C, respectively; generation time ( T  ) ranged from 33.3 (33°C) to 85.5 (20°C) days; doubling time ( D ) from 0.82 (33°C) to 17.8 (20°C) days; intrinsic rate of increase ( r _m ) from −0.13 (33°C) to 0.12 (28°C) per day; and the finite rate of increase ( λ ) from 0.88 (33°C) to 1.12 (28°C) females/female added to the population per day. The ideal age to release P. nigrispinus should be when this predator presents higher reproductive values (VR _x ); that is, its adults are about 7 days old, independent of prevailing temperature. Population growth of P. nigrispinus was affected by temperature with maximum numerical response between 28 and 30°C. The negative population growth shown at 33°C may not occur in natural conditions due to milder microclimate in the cotton agroecosystem and due to oscillations of temperature in the course of the day.     

Influence of temperature on life-table parameters of Stethorus gilvifrons (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) fed on Tetranychus urticae Koch

The influence of temperature on life-table parameters, fecundity and survivorship of the predatory ladybird, Stethorus gilvifrons , fed on Tetranychus urticae was determined at seven constant temperatures of 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 28°C, 30°C, 35°C and 40°C. No development was observed at 40°C, thus being regarded as the threshold for the development of S. gilvifrons . The results indicate a significant decrease in male and female longevity with increasing temperature from 15°C to 35°C. The longest and shortest longevity were 18.40 and 12.75 days for males and 17.40 and 8.80 days for females, respectively. The intrinsic rate of natural increase ( r _m ) and the net reproductive rate ( R ₀) of S. gilvifrons linearly increased with increasing temperatures from 15°C to 35°C, while the mean generation time ( T ) and doubling time (DT) decreased linearly within this temperature range. The highest values of r _m (0.240 females/female/day) and R ₀ (59.27 females/female) and the lowest mean generation time (17.01 days) and DT (2.88 days) were recorded at 35°C. The maximum (185.50 eggs) and minimum (25.50 eggs) measurement of total fecundity was also recorded at 35°C and 15°C, respectively. The results indicate that temperature greatly affected fecundity, survivorship and life-table parameters of S. gilvifrons , and that 35°C is a suitable temperature for population growth of this predator.     

Age-dependent fecundity and life-fertility tables for Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Het., Pentatomidae)

Abstract: The reproductive potential and longevity of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) were determined under laboratory conditions at a constant temperature of 25°C. The data were used to calculate life-fertility tables and rates of increase. The fecundity plateau of P. nigrispinus lasted 18 days, and during this period mean fecundity was 8.89 eggs per female per day. It started at the eighth day of age and ended at the 18th day of age. The declining fecundity period started at 18 days of age and ended with the death of the females. The female of P. nigrispinus oviposited a mean of 188.54 eggs, and had a mean longevity of 31.21 days. The gross reproductive rate (GRR) was 104.374 females/female; the net reproductive rate ( R _o) was 31.945 females/female; the generation time was 47.390 days; the doubling time was 9.480 days; the intrinsic rate of increase ( r _m ) was 0.073, and the finite rate of increase ( λ ) was 1.076. The predator population increased by 16.61 adult progeny per female per generation in the laboratory.     

EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON CERTAIN POPULATION PARAMETERS OF LIRIOMYZA SATIVAE BLAN-CHARD (DIPTERA: AGROMYZIDAE)

Abstract  Effects of temperature on population parameters and the intrinsic rate of natural increase of the leafminer, Liriomyza sativae Blanchard, were studied at constant temperatures, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 3593 80% RH and a photoperiod of 12 :12 (L:D) in the laboratory with Phaseolus vulgaris as the host plant. Developmental time of the immature stage decreased from 38 d at 15C to lld at 35⁹3 Regression equations relating temperature ( t ) to development rates ( y ) for egg, larval and pupal stages, were y = 1.7862t - 13.841, y = 1.162 t - 4.946 and y = 0.634 t - 5.146, respectively. Longevity of female adult decreased from 20 d at 15°C to 9 d with temperature up to 35C The most favorable temperature range for reproduction was 20°C - 30^oC in which the fecundity ranged from 158 to 282 eggs per female. The lowest total mortality was 9% at 25^oC and the highest was 49% at 35 93 High intrinsic rate of natural increase ( r_m ) was 0.27 and high net reproductive rate ( R₀ ) was 116.8 at temperature range between 25 t and 30 t indicating that this range was optimal for population growth and that population density might increase 117 times per generation under this temperature condition. Mean generation time (T) and time for population to double (t) decreased as temperature increased, showing a negative linear trend with temperature. The relationship between finite rate of increase (A) and temperature, however, was a positive linear regression.     

Comparative demography of Liriomyza sativae Blanchard （Diptera： Agromyzidae） on cucumber at seven constant temperatures

Reproduction and population parameters of vegetable leafminer, Liriomyza sativae Blanchard were measured on cucumber （Cucumis sativus L.） at seven constant temperatures （10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40℃）. No eggs were found at 10℃ and flies died after exposure to 40℃. The significantly highest intrinsic rate of natural increase （rm）, net reproductive rate （R0） and finite rate of increase （λ） ofL. sativae were obtained at 25℃ as 0.196, 52.452, and 1.216, respectively. The above-mentioned parameters decreased at 15℃ and 135℃ and this reduction at 35℃ was strong. Doubling time （DT） varied significantly with temperature. The shortest doubling time was obtained at 25℃. Mean generation time （T） decreased significantly with increasing temperature between 15℃ and 35℃. Percentage of immature ages in the stable age distribution was more than 95% at all temperatures. Female longevity was greater than male at all temperatures. Liriomyza sativae lived for a long time at 15℃, whereas at 35℃ had lower survival rates. The effect of temperature on reproduction, especially the intrinsic rate of increase of L. sativae would be useful for predicting its longterm population fluctuation over several generations.     

温度对番茄潜叶蛾生长发育和繁殖的影响

【目的】番茄潜叶蛾Tuta absoluta是一种对番茄具有毁灭性危害的世界性入侵害虫,本研究旨在探索温度对入侵番茄潜叶蛾种群生长发育和繁殖的影响,为预测番茄潜叶蛾的分布区域、田间发生动态提供基础。【方法】在室内测定了番茄叶片上番茄潜叶蛾在15, 20, 25, 30和35℃ 5个恒定温度条件下各虫态的发育历期和存活率、繁殖力和种群增长参数,并应用不同模型分析发育速率、内禀增长率和净生殖率与温度的关系,估计发育起点温度、发育极限温度、发育最适温度、有效积温和年发生代数。【结果】在恒温15~30℃范围内,番茄潜叶蛾各虫态的发育历期随温度升高而逐渐缩短。25℃下幼虫期存活率、成虫前期存活率、雌虫总产卵量、净生殖率、内禀增长率和周限增长率均最大。在35℃下,卵的存活率骤降至11%,孵化的幼虫无法正常发育。卵期、幼虫期、蛹期、成虫前期、全世代的有效积温分别为104.17, 232.59, 129.87, 434.78和526.32日·度,该虫在新疆伊宁县和察布查尔锡伯自治县的理论发生代数为4~5代。基于发育速率与温度关系的模型与基于种群增长参数与温度关系的模型所计算的积温需求参数不同,基于内禀增长率求得的番茄潜叶蛾的发育起点温度、发育极限高温和发育最适温度分别为12.46, 30.40和27.36℃。【结论】入侵我国新疆地区的番茄潜叶蛾适温范围广泛,在我国大部分地区具有极高的扩散风险。     

Trade-off between mobility and fitness in Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Abstract.  1. The codling moth Cydia pomonella , one of the most important pest insects of apple fruit orchards worldwide, is regarded as a 'sedentary' insect, but the natural populations consist of both mobile and sedentary genotypes that display different dispersal capacity in the field. The current study investigated whether there is a fitness consequence of being mobile in this species by comparing two strains with contrasting levels of mobility obtained through bi-directional selection.
2. Female moths of the sedentary strain were significantly larger, laid more eggs during their lifespan, and both male and female moths of this strain lived longer, when compared with the mobile strain.
3. The age-specific fecundity of female moths from the sedentary strain was significantly greater, in particular between 3 and 5 days after emergence when the peaks of both oviposition and flight capacity occur, relative to the mobile moths, thereby leading to a greater reproductive function.
4. These differences resulted in different demographic parameters between the two strains. The sedentary strain had a significantly greater net reproductive rate ( R _o ) and a higher intrinsic rate of natural increase ( r _m ), although the generation time ( T ) was similar, hence requiring a shorter time to double the population size, in comparison to the mobile strain.
5. This study provides empirical evidence for the cost of being mobile in C. pomonella . Trade-offs between mobility and fitness might have contributed to the existence of genetic variance for dispersal behaviour in the natural populations and the maintenance of relative sedentariness in the species.     

Effect of temperature on development and activity periods of the leek moth Acrolepiopsis assectella Zell. (Lep., Acrolepiidae)

Effects of temperature on egg, larval and pupal developmental times of the leek moth were examined at five constant temperatures ranging from 12 to 20°C. Using this data, a linear degree-day model for the leek moth was developed. The model gave the threshold temperature of T _h =6°C, and 630 degree-days were required above the threshold temperature, to complete the development of the leek moth. To validate the model in the field, flight activity during the summers of 1998 and 1999 was studied using pheromone traps. If the summer is warm the leek moth can have two generations per year in Sweden, but the probability of completing two generations within leek plantations is very limited. The likelihood of the leek moth becoming a pest is highly dependent on access to alternative host plants for the first generation of leek moths.     

Population growth rate of the depredating Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) and of the Tuta absoluta (Leptoptera: gelechiidae) in wintering place

The fertility life table of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) preying either on Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) caterpillars or on alternative prey Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) under greenhouse conditions (30 +/- 5 degrees C, 61 +/- 23% RH) were studied. The life table was also determined for the pest T. absoluta under the same conditions. The net reproductive rate (Ro) and the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) were higher 14.13 and 46.32 times for predators fed on T. molitor prey, however, the generation time (T) was similar between prey. The pest T. absoluta showed Ro and rm higher 2.15 and 32.10 times than those achieved for predators fed on this pest. However, females fed on a suitable prey T. molitor showed higher Ro and rm than those yielded for the pest. The survival curves were similar for P. nigrispinus females fed on both prey and classified as being type II by Weibull analysis. The results suggest that P. nigrispinus is able to maintain its population preying only on T. absoluta caterpillars; however, the life table parameters determined individually for both showed that the pest produces more generations per year and faster population natural growth than the predator.     

Duration times of the immature stages of Cacopsylla pyri L. (Hom., Psyllidae), estimated under field conditions, and their relationship to ambient temperature

The duration of the immature stages of Cacopsylla pyri L. was studied under field conditions by artificially infesting pear branches on several dates during the year. The duration of the egg stage decreased from winter to summer, as the season progresses and temperature rises, and slightly increased in September. It ranged from 27.4 to 6.7 days. The same trend was observed in the duration of the first three larval stages (L₁₋₃) which ranged from 18.8 to 10.3 days. For eggs deposited during the period February–August the duration of the last two larval stages (L₄₋₅) ranged from 17.5 to 12.1 days. However, the duration of L₄₋₅ developed from eggs deposited in September and which give rise to winter-form adults were the longest observed. The rate of egg development was related to average ambient temperature with a highly significant linear relationship. This relationship indicates that the egg stage requires a constant number of 158.9 (SD = 5.0) of day-degrees above an average temperature of 2.31°C to complete development. The rate of development both of L₁₋₃ and L₄₋₅ were related to average ambient temperature with curvilinear relationships. These relationships indicate a proportional increase in the developmental rate as temperature rises between 10–22°C. At the higher average temperatures that occurred in the summer experiments (24–27°C) the acceleration of development of L₁₋₃ is reduced and the developmental rate of L₄₋₅ decreases. The developmental rates of L₄₋₅ developed from eggs deposited in September did not follow the established relationship with temperature and they were lower than those in the other periods of the year with the same average temperature.     

Effect of temperature on the demography of Galerucella birmanica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Studies on the effect of temperature on the development of the water chestnut beetle, Galerucella birmanica Jacoby were carried out in the laboratory at seven different temperatures: 16 °C, 19 °C, 22 °C, 25 °C, 28 °C, 31 °C and 34 °C. The developmental time decreased with increase in temperature. The developmental time at 16 °C, 19 °C, 22 °C, 25 °C, 28 °C, 31 °C and 34 °C was 96.60, 80.68, 58.96, 43.48, 35.03, 30.08 and 28.02 days for the period from egg hatching to adult emergence, respectively. The developmental threshold estimated for a generation by linear regression was 10.36 °C. The fecundity per female at 22 °C, 25 °C, 28 °C, 31 °C and 34 °C was 102.3, 134.5, 141.2, 130.1 and 116.2 eggs, respectively. Oviposition period ranged from 15.6 days at 22 °C to 8.6 days at 34 °C. Hatchability of eggs was highest at 31 °C with 76.9% and lowest at 34 °C with 57.1%. The highest generation survival rate was 65.3% at 31 °C, and the intrinsic rate of natural increase ( r _m) for G. birmanica was the highest at 34 °C.     

Parasitization of potato tuber moth eggs (Lep., Gelechiidae) from irradiated adults by Trichogramma (Hym., Trichogrammatidae) and control of moth population with combined releases of sterile insect and egg parasitoid

Abstract:  Eggs of the potato tuber moth (PTM) Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) obtained from 150 or 300 Gy-irradiated moths, either inbred or out-crossed to untreated counterparts, were offered as host material to three generalist Trichogramma species; Trichogramma cacoeciae , Trichogramma evanescens , and Trichogramma principium , to determine the ability of these egg parasitoids to develop in F₁ sterile eggs. All eggs laid by the different parental crosses at 150 or 300 Gy, were acceptable and suitable for Trichogramma development. However, in no choice and paired comparison tests, eggs from 300 Gy-irradiated parents were significantly less preferred compared with eggs laid by non-irradiated moths. No intra-specific differences for PTM sterile eggs were recorded among the tested Trichogramma species. The mean number of wasps emerging from each egg types was not affected by an interaction between parental crosses and applied doses. Overall, this study demonstrates that release of irradiated and non-irradiated moths at a 5 : 1 over-flooding ratio and Trichogramma over potatoes in small plexiglass boxes, is complementary and more effective in reducing PTM F₁-emerged progeny than either technique used alone. The results provide baseline data for developing an integrated control approach by using inherited sterility technique in conjunction with Trichogramma for PTM population suppression.     

Effect of two solanaceous plants on developmental and population parameters of the tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is an important tomato pest that also feeds on other host-plants from the Solanceae family. We studied the effect of two cultivated plants, tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) and potato Solanum tuberosum L. on the development and populational parameters of T. absoluta related with host-plant suitability. Larval developmental time, pupal weight, mean fecundity and an index of host-plant quality (IPQ = pupal weight / frass weight) were estimated. Age-specific survivorship and fecundity life tables were constructed in the laboratory to evaluate the following populational parameters: net reproductive rate (Ro), intrinsic rate of increase (r) and generation time (T). Larval developmental time was shorter and pupal weight was higher (P < 0.0001) for larvae reared on tomato (P < 0.0001). Mean fecundity was not significantly different on both plants (P = 0.07) and food quality of host-plant was higher for tomato (P = 0.02). Mean population parameters on tomato were: Ro = 48.92; T = 27.98, r = 0.14; and on potato: Ro = 14.43; T = 32.35, r = 0.08. Although results showed that tomato was a more suitable host-plant and had a better nutritional quality than potato, when T. absoluta fed on potato the potential population increase requires attention. Under appropriate climatic conditions, spatial and temporal coincidence between crop and pest, T. absoluta could become a pest for the potato crop.     

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.     

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND REPRODUCTION OF BEMISIA TABACI B BIOTYPE (HOMOPTERA: ALEYRODIDAE)

Abstract The development, survivorship and reproduction of Bemisia tabaci B biotype on eggplant at seven constant temperatures (17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32 and 35°C) were studied. The developmental periods from egg to adult varied from 48.7 days at 17°C to 13.9 days at 29°C and the developmental threshold estimated for a generation by linear regression was 12.4°C. The optimum temperature for B. tabaci population growth was 26°C, both extremely low (< 17°C) and high temperature (> 32°C) delayed the development. Survivorships from egg to adult was 67.3% at 26°C, 27.6% and 29.0% at 35°C and 17°C respectively. The average longevity of females ranged from 39.6 days at 20°C to 12.8 days at 35°C. Oviposition per female varied from 164.8 eggs at 20°C to 78.5 eggs at 32°C. Both the longevity and oviposition of B. tabaci females at different temperatures were significantly different ( P < 0.05), and the intrinsic rate of natural increase ( r _m) for B. tabaci at 29°C was the highest.     

Behavior of Trichogramma atopovirilia Oatman & Platner and T. pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) egg masses.

In this study we analyzed the impact of physical barriers of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) egg-masses on the behavior of Trichogramma atopovirilia Oatman & Platner and Trichogramma pretiosum Riley. The duration of drumming, drilling, oviposition, period spent over the egg-mass, and interval between parasitized eggs were timed, and the number of parasitized eggs were recorded. The presence of scales on the egg-masses caused a significant increase in the time spent by both parasitoids on each process and a decrease in the residence time over the egg-mass and in the number of parasitized eggs, with an increase in the number of egg layers. There was a significant decrease in the number of parasitized eggs in relation to egg-masses with one layer and no scales. We observed that the physical barriers in fall armyworm egg-masses changed the behavior of T. atopovirilia and T. pretiosum, affecting their parasitization capacity.     

Intrinsic rate of population increase of Amitus fuscipennis MacGown and Nebeker (Hym., Platygasteridae) according to climatic conditions and bean cultivar

Data on adult longevity, reproduction and intrinsic rate of population increase of insect parasitoid Amitus fuscipennis MacGown and Nebeker (Hym., Platygasteridae) were obtained under different climatic conditions on two bean cultivars. The insect host was the greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hom., Aleyrodidae). On cv. Chocho, at 19°C, 75 ± 5% RH and at 22°C, 70 ± 5% RH, mean longevity of adult Amitus females on the host insect was 9.3 and 5.7 days; mean fertility was 64.1 eggs and 52.7 eggs; and r_m values were 0.102 day^–1 and 0.144 day^–1 for the respective conditions. On cv. ICA-Pijao, at 19°C, 75 ± 5% RH, mean longevity was 15.2 days; mean fertility was highest (162.8 eggs); and r_m value was 0.117 day^–1. The r_m values of Amitus were higher than those of its host under the same test conditions. This parasitoid may therefore be a suitable candidate for use in inoculative or seasonal inoculative control programs against T. vaporariorum .     

Biology and life table parameters of the mushroom pest, Pediculaster fletchmanni （Acari： Siteroptidae）, at three constant temperatures

This paper is concerned with the bionomics and demography of Pediculaster fletchmanni Wicht （Acari： Siteroptidae） under controlled conditions （20 ± l, 22 ± 1 and 25 ± 1℃, 70% ± 5% relative humidity and a photoperiod of 16L ： 8D hours）. Glass Petri dishes inoculated with Trichoderma sp. mycelia were used as substrate and food source. The mean developmental time of the egg and the active larva did not differ significantly at the various constant temperatures, but these periods were significantly different for the quiescent larval stage. The preoviposition period ranged from 2.3 to 2.8 days, the ovipositional period increased with temperature increase, and all females died immediately after oviposition. The development of active larvae was the fastest of all life stages. The developmental threshold ranged between 5.25-14.22℃ the highest value being observed for the quiescent larval development. For immature development required 89.29 degree-days. Values of rm （intrinsic rate of increase） were 0.229, 0.398 and 0.386 for 20, 22 and 25℃ respectively. Finite rates of increase （λ） increased along with increasing temperature from 20-25℃ consequently the population doubling time （D） and mean generation time （T） showed significant differences with increasing temperature.     

Biological parameters of Thripobius semiluteus Bouček (Hym., Eulophidae), a larval endoparasitoid of Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Bouché) (Thysan., Thripidae)

Abstract:  The endoparasitoid Thripobius semiluteus Bouček was recently introduced to Italy from Israel for the biological control of Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Bouché). In this study, some aspects of the biology of T. semiluteus were determined in the laboratory. Developmental time (egg to adult), potential fecundity, realized fecundity, progeny, daily rate of deposition of eggs and several demographic growth parameters were evaluated. Studies of the longevity of fed and starved adults at seven temperatures (3, 10, 15, 20, 23, 25 and 30 ± 1°C) showed that fed T. semiluteus lived longest at 15°C (36.45 days) and shortest at 3°C (1.45 days). Longevity was reduced significantly at higher and lower temperatures than 15°C and when honey was not provided. Development time was measured at six temperatures. Pupae did not complete development at 10°C. The lower theoretical temperature threshold was 9.0°C; the optimum developmental temperature and the upper lethal threshold were 28.0°C and 34.1°C respectively. The most rapid development was found at 30°C, but waSPS suffered significantly higher mortality at this temperature than at other temperatures. Ovigeny index showed that T. semiluteus is synovigenic, with a mean realized fecundity of 78.8 eggs per female. The mean progeny was 68.2 adults per female on fed adults.     

Biological studies on Trichogrammatoidea bactrae Nagaraja (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), egg parasitoid of Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

The tomato moth, Tuta absoluta Meyrick, is one of the most important tomato pests in South America. In Argentina, management strategies include only chemical control. In this work, the parasitoid wasp Trichogrammatoidea bactrae Nagaraja was evaluated as a potential natural enemy against this pest. Biological and population parameters were estimated by developing a life table under laboratory conditions at 25 ± 1oC, 14:10 photoperiod and 60 ± 10% RH. Three cohorts of 26-30 T. bactrae females each were placed with one of the three following treatments: 1 - Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) eggs on a piece of cardboard; 2 - S. cerealella eggs on a piece of tomato leaf, and 3- T. absoluta eggs on a piece on tomato leaf. The following parameters were estimated for each cohort: survival (egg to adult), longevity, fecundity and oviposition period of females, sex proportion of the F1, net rate of reproduction (Ro), mean generation time (T) and intrinsic rate of population increase (r m). Survival of the T. bactrae immatures was higher than 90% on both, S. cerealella and T. absoluta eggs. The female survival curves corresponded to type III and showed no significant differences among treatments. The three cohorts did not show significant differences between sex ratio, female longevity, oviposition period, fecundity and the population parameters studied. These results indicate that T. bactrae would be a potential biological control agent of T. absoluta.