Characterisation of a laboratory strain of the potato moth,Phthorimaea operculella(Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Abstract The demographic performance of a laboratory strain ofPhthorimaea operculella(Zell.) was characterised by measurements of seven parameters under standard breeding conditions at six constant temperatures. The parameters were fertility, larval survival, sex ratio, weight of females, fecundity, development time and adult life-span. This information provides reference values which would be useful in experiments designed to determine the demographic effects of treatments, to identify strains and genetic populations of the species, and eventually to detect evolutionary changes in the specific properties of forms under study. The results of this investigation could be used in constructing simulation models of the species’ life system.