Life Table Analysis of the Predatory Beetle Delphastus catalinae
Author Information
Author(s): Crisostomo Legaspi Jesusa, Benjamin C. Jr. Legaspi, Alvin M. Simmons, Mohamed Soumare
Primary Institution: USDA-ARS-CMAVE / Center for Biological Control
Hypothesis
How does temperature affect the development and reproduction of Delphastus catalinae feeding on whiteflies?
Conclusion
Delphastus catalinae performs better at 22 and 26 °C, while 30 °C is detrimental to its development and reproduction.
Supporting Evidence
- Development time from eggs to adult decreased from 24 to 15 days as temperature increased from 22 to 30 °C.
- The intrinsic rate of increase, r, increased from 0.048 to 0.082 as temperature rose from 22 to 26 °C.
- Mean daily fecundity was modeled as a function of time and temperature.
Takeaway
This study found that the predatory beetle Delphastus catalinae grows and reproduces best at cooler temperatures, and too much heat can harm it.
Methodology
The study involved observing the development and reproduction of Delphastus catalinae at three constant temperatures: 22, 26, and 30 °C.
Limitations
The study did not rear eggs to adulthood, so gender could not be determined for all eggs.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.000116
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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