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Life-cycle studies on Paulinia acuminata (DeGeer) (Orthoptera: Pauliniidae) with particular reference to the effects of constant temperature

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

P. A. Thomas
P. A. Thomas
Affiliation:
Division of Agricultural Research, P. Bag. 0033, Gaborone, Botswana
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Abstract

The effects were examined of constant temperature on the life-cycle of Paulinia acuminata (Deg.), a potential biological control agent for Salvinia molesta. Over the range of temperatures tested (25–36°C), the duration of the life-cycle varied from approximately 85 days to 38 days. Egg development was most rapid at 33–36°C, but percentage hatch was greatest at 33–34°C. The duration of the nymphal period continued to decrease up to 36°C. The optimum temperature for nymphal development appeared to be higher than for eggs since temperature did not significantly affect nymphal mortality, which was about 50%. There were sometimes five and sometimes six instars, six being rather more common at lower than at higher temperatures. Crowded nymphs developed more slowly than isolated ones. Population growth rate statistics were calculated by combining data from several series of experiments. In an attempt to predict the results of a release of Paulinia at Lake Kariba between Zambia and Zimbabwe, these statistics were related to the mean annual temperature on the lake. It was estimated that P. acuminata would undergo three generations a year, with the population increasing by a factor of 8000 per annum.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 70 , Issue 3 , September 1980 , pp. 381 - 389
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1980

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