Influence of Temperature on Oviposition and Adult Female Longevity for the Soybean Looper, Pseudoplusia includens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Mated female Pseudoplusia includens (Walker) moths were held in constant temperatures ranging from 17 to 35°C to determine the effect of temperature on oviposition and longevity. Over the temperature range tested, adult female longevity decreased linearly as temperature increased. Fecundity (total number of eggs laid over the entire life span)and average oviposition rate (mean number of eggs laid per day of a lifetime) had curvilinear relationships with temperature. A curvilinear response surface significantly described effects of temperature and female age on daily oviposition rate. Maximum oviposition occurred between 26 and 32°C.