Effect of temperature on development and survival of Argentine stem weevil (Listronotus bonariensis) immature stages

Abstract

From growth rates at various temperatures in the laboratory, to complete development, egg, larval, prepupal, pupal, and egg to adult stages required 83,189, 40,172, and 454 degree days heat accumulation, above threshold temperatures of 9.9, 9.2,13.0, 11.0, and 10.7°C, respectively. Egg hatch success in the laboratory was 90–100% at temperatures 16.5–25°C, but was reduced to 83% at 30°C. Larval mortality (mean 66%) at all temperatures occurred principally during the first and second instars. Dessication during the wandering phase of first instar larvae appeared to be a primary cause of mortality, which was most pronounced at 30°C. There were no significant differences in survival of prepupae at temperatures ranging from 16.5–30°C. Pupal survival was maximal (mean 75%) at temperatures between 20–30°C.