Reproductive parameters of the parthenogenetic psocid Lepinotus reticulatus (Psocoptera: Trogiidae) at constant temperatures

Abstract

We investigated effects of temperature, at 70% RH, on the reproductive parameters of the parthenogenetic psocid Lepinotus reticulatus Enderlein (Psocoptera: Trogiidae). The lowest fecundity (21) was at 35°C and the highest (41) at 27.5°C. At 22.5, 25, and 27.5°C, peak oviposition rates (eggs/female/week) occurred in week 3 and were 4.7, 6.6, and 7.8, respectively; also 51, 57, and 62%, respectively, of all eggs were laid in the first 4 wk. At 30, 32.5, and 35°C, peak oviposition rates occurred in week 2 and were 8.2, 9.0, and 7.4, respectively; 80, 85, and 98%, respectively, of all eggs were laid in the first 4 wk. The longest preoviposition period (4.4 d) was at 22.5 and 25°C, and the longest postoviposition period (13.1 d) was at 22.5°C. Oviposition period and longevity decreased with increasing temperature; at 22.5°C, these parameters were 66 and 83 d, respectively, and at 35°C, they were 18 and 24 d, respectively. Mean weekly oviposition rate increased with temperature and was highest at 32.5°C (5.8 eggs/female/week). At 22.5, 25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, and 35°C, it took 29, 20, 12, 11, 8, and 6 wk, respectively, for all females to die. Intrinsic rate of population increase increased with temperature until 32.5°C (0.128) and then declined. We have developed temperature-dependent equations for preoviposition period, postoviposition period, oviposition period, oviposition rate, and longevity. Reproductive parameters affect population dynamics, and information on these parameters can be used in simulation models to predict L. reticulatus population dynamics to aid in developing effective management strategies.