Development and survivorship of <i>Carpophilus hemipterus</i> (L.), <i>Carpophilus mutilatus</i> Erichson and <i>Carpophilus humeralis</i> (F.) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) over a range of constant temperatures

Abstract

Abstract Eggs of Carpophilus humeralis (F.) and Carpophilus mutilatus Erichson developed at constant temperatures from 20–37.5°C, while Carpophilus hemipterus (L.) completed development at temperatures from 20–42.5°C. Carpophilus hemipterus completed larval and pupal development at all temperatures up to and including 40°C. Carpophilus mutilatus reached adulthood at 37.5°C, but C. humeralis was only able to complete egg to adult development at temperatures up to 32.5°C. Rates of development changed in a linear fashion with temperature. The development of C. hemipterus eggs and larvae was faster at all temperatures than the other two species ( P &lt; 0.05). Developmental duration from egg to adult for the three species ranged from 47–65 days at 20°C to 14–18 days at 32.5°C. The fastest development was recorded for C. hemipterus at 37.5°C (13.4 days). Lower developmental zeroes ( DZ ) were similar for the eggs, larvae and pupae of each species, ranging between 14.0–16.0°C. Estimates of DZ for egg–adult development were 15.3°C ( mutilatus ), 15.4°C ( humeralis ) and 14.6°C ( hemipterus ). Egg to adult development required 260.4 ( hemipterus ), 297.6 ( humeralis ) or 320.0 ( mutilatus ) degree‐days. Survivorship was greatest for all species at temperatures between 25–30°C, with the larval stage suffering most mortality from higher or lower temperatures. The use of degree‐day estimates to predict timing of adult generations of Carpophilus spp. is discussed with respect to the management of these pests in stone fruit orchards in southern Australia.