Temperature-dependent development of Acarophagous ladybird, Stethorus gilvifrons (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Development of Stethorus gilvifrons (Mulsant), a predator of two spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch), was studied under laboratory conditions at constant temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 28, 30, 35 and 40°C. No development occurred at 40°C. The total development time at temperatures tested was 56.47, 31.19, 18.53, 17.54, 12.49, and 9.27days, respectively, which indicated a significant decrease of development time with increasing temperature. Using the linear model, the estimated low temperature threshold for egg, larva, prepupa, pupa, and total immature stage of S. gilvifrons was 14.11, 10.86, 11.33, 17.04, and 12.47°C, respectively while the thermal constant for these stages was 36.36, 153.14, 11.63, 25.25, and 222.72 degree-days, respectively.