Temperature-dependent development and oviposition models of Riptortus clavatus (Thunberg) (Hemiptera: Alydidae)

Abstract

The temperature-dependent development, survival, longevity, and reproduction of Riptortus clavatus (Thunberg) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) were studied at constant temperatures in the laboratory. The mean developmental time from egg to adult emergence ranged from 18.8 d at 36.7°C to 67.0 d at 19.7°C and the lower temperature threshold for the total immature stage (egg to adult emergence) was 15.0°C. The nonlinear shape of temperature-dependent development was well described by the Lactin model. The standardized cumulative frequency distributions of developmental times for each life stage were fitted to the two-parameter Weibull function. Mean adult longevity ranged from 7.83 d at 34°C to 165.14 d at 17.5°C. Mean total fecundity ranged from 29.2 eggs at 34°C to 456.4 eggs at 25°C and was fitted to the extreme value function. Adult survival and the cumulative oviposition rate of R. clavatus were fitted to the sigmoid and two-parameter Weibull function, respectively. We anticipate that the fitted models and parameters will be useful in developing a population model for R. clavatus.