Effect of Different Temperatures on the Biology of Citrostichus phyllocnistoides (Narayanan) (Hymnoptera: Eulophidae) a Parasitoid of Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

The effect of constant temperatures on developmental time and parasitization rate of Citrostichus phyllocnistoides was evaluated on Plzyllocnistis citrella at nine constant temperatures ranging from 15 degrees C +/- 1 to 35 degrees C +/- 1 in 2.5 degrees C increments in the laboratory. Developmental periods of immature stages ranged from 34.98 days at 15 degrees C to 9.15 days at 35 degrees C. The lower developmental threshold for C. phyllocnistoides estimated was 8.93 degrees C. Mortality rate of immature stages decreased as the temperature increased, ranged from 27% at 15 degrees C to 8% at 35 degrees C. Longevity of both sexes were different at all temperatures studied (except 30 and 32.5 degrees C), ranged from 22.1 days at 15 degrees C to 8.0 days at 35 degrees C for males and 23.8 days at 15 degrees C to 8.3 days at 35 degrees C for females. Parasitization rate of C. phyllocnistoides on Phyllocnistis citrella increased with the temperature up to 32.5 degrees C being 49%, then decreased at 35 degrees C.