Effects of temperature on the development and reproduction of Orius sauteri (Poppius) (Heteroptera : Anthocoridae), a predator of Thrips palmi Karny (Thysanoptera : Thripidae)

The development and reproduction of Orius sauteri reared on Thrips palmi larvae were studied at four constant temperatures, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C. Thermal constant (K) and developmental zero (T0) for eggs and nymphs of O. sauteri were calculated at 62.1 day-degrees and 11.1°C and 180.8 day-degrees and 10.3°C, respectively. Egg mortality rate was always 7.1% or less. There was no significant difference in survival rate during the nymphal stage among the four temperatures. Longevity of female and male adults was greatest at 15°C and shortest at 30°C. Female lifetime fecundity reached a maximum at 25°C. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (γm) was highest at 30°C.