Development time, survival and thermal requirements of the pentatomid predator Supputius cincticeps (Stäl) were studied at constant temperatures of 15, 18, 20, 23, 25, 28, 30, and 33°C, relative humidity of 70 ± 10% and a 14L:10D photoperiod. Time required for development from egg to adult ranged from 27.7 (30°C) to 121 days (15°C) for individuals that originated males, and from 30.3 (28°C) to 114.0 days (15°C) to those that originated females. At 33°C the nymphs did not hatch. Egg survival ranged from 23.5 (30°C) to 74.6% (25°C). Nymphal survival was highest at moderate temperatures, ranging from 3% (15°C) to 56% (20°C). Immature had highest survival at 20°C. Lower developmental threshold temperatures for egg, nymphal development and immature phases were 10.7, 11.0, and 12.0°C for individuals that originated males, and 10.0, 12.0 and 8.9°C for those that originated females. Thermal constants for egg, nymphal development and immature phases were 84.6, 410.7 and 440.1 degree-days, and 88.2, 440.1 and 643.1 degree-days, respectively, for individuals that originated males and females.
Insecta; predator; thermal requirements