Effect of temperature on the development and fecundity of the Cryptic Mealybug, Pseudococcus cryptus, in the laboratory

The development and fecundity of Pseudococcus cryptus Hempel (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) (synonym P. citriculus Green) were studied over a range of temperatures. Egg development time decreased with increasing temperature and ranged from 2.4 d at 16 °C to 1.0 d at 28 °C. Total development time of nymphs decreased from 54.9 d at 16 °C to 17.4 d at 28 °C and 19.3 d at 32 °C. Because P. cryptus showed an ovoviviparous reproductive behavior, the egg period was combined with the 1st nymph. By fitting linear models to the data the lower developmental threshold temperatures for egg-1st nymphs, 2nd nymphs, 3rd nymphs, and egg-3rd nymph were calculated as 8.7, 12.8, 13.1, and 12.1 °C, respectively. The thermal constants were 198.6, 84.7, 69.8, and 296.3 degree-days, respectively, for each of the above stages. The non-linear model based on a Gaussian equation used to predict relationship between development rate and temperature was well described for all stages. In addition, adult longevity decreased from 80.4 d at 16 °C to 31.3 d at 32.0 °C. Furthermore, the preoviposition and oviposition periods showed a pattern similar to that of longevity. Overall, P. cryptus had a maximum fecundity of 111 eggs per female at 28 °C, which declined to 102.7 eggs per female at 32 °C.