THERMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF COLEOMEGILLA MACULATA (COLEOPTERA: COCCINELLIDAE) AND ITS PARASITE PERILITUS COCCINELLAE (HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE)

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Abstract
The optimum temperature range for development and survival of the predacious coccinellid Coleomegilla maculata and its parasite Perilitus coccinellae is 24° to 26.7°C. Theoretical thresholds for development (t) of the pre-imaginal stages of C. maculata range from 9° to 13°C. Total development (from oviposition to adult emergence) of the beetle requires an accumulation of 236 heat degree days (K) above 11.3°C (t), whereas the development of P. coccinellae requires 395 heat degree days (K) above 9.8°C (t). To predict the seasonal interaction between C. maculata and P. coccinellae, and to manage C. maculata efficiently as a biological control agent, it is vital to know the thermal and dietary requirements of the two species.