Temperature-dependent Model for Development of Nondiapausing Sorghum Midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

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Abstract
Constant-temperature development data were used to construct a temperature-dependent, two-component model for the development of nondiapausing sorghum midges, Contarinia sorghicola (Coquillett), from egg to adult emergence. When constant temperatures were between 20 and 36°C, nondiapausing midges completed development and emerged as adults. Development times decreased as temperature increased. Above 34°C, however, development times increased and numbers of emerged adults declined. A coupled poikilotherm rate equation and cumulative Weibull distribution provided accurate descriptions of the developmental data. Model simulations compared favorably with observed emergence of adult midges from johnsongrass and sorghum in the field throughout the season.