Effects of Temperature and Adult Age on the Oviposition Rate of Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller), the Lesser Cornstalk Borer

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Abstract
Mated female lesser cornstalk borer ( Elasmopalpus lignosellus [Zeller]) moths were held in constant temperatures ranging from 17 to 35°C to determine the effect of temperature on oviposition and longevity. Over the temperature range tested, adult female longevity decreased linearly as temperature increased. Total fecundity (total number of eggs laid per female) and average oviposition rate (total fecundity at a given temperature divided by the average longevity at the same temperature) varied nonlinearly with temperature. A two-independent-variable polynomial response surface significantly described effects of temperature and female age on daily oviposition rate. Maximum egg production occurred between 27.5 and 30.5°C.