Effects of Temperature on the Age-Stage, Two-Sex Life Table of Bradysia odoriphaga (Diptera: Sciaridae)

The demographics of Bradysia odoriphaga were examined with an age-stage, two-sex life table that was developed at 15, 20, 25, and 30 degrees C under controlled conditions. The intrinsic rate of increase and mean generation time were 0.0574 and 48.08 d at 15 degrees C, 0.1175 and 30.09 d at 20 degrees C, 0.1369 and 26.31 d at 25 degrees C, and 0.1247 and 26.55 d at 30 degrees C, respectively. The gross reproductive rate (GRR), the net reproductive rate (R-0), and the pre-adult survivorship (l(a)) were consistent with the relationship R-0 < l(a) x GRR < GRR. Development was slower at 15 degrees C than at the other temperatures. The mean duration of the total pre-adult stages was 38.01, 27.62, 23.74, and 24.10 d at 15, 20, 25, and 30 degrees C, respectively. The highest values for the intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, and fecundity (0.1369 d(-1), 1.147 d(-1), and 50.53 eggs, respectively) and the shortest mean generation time were at 25 degrees C. Still, B. odoriphaga was able to develop, survive, and reproduce across the entire temperature range (15-30 degrees C). This study provides insight into the temperature-dependent phenology of B. odoriphaga and will contribute to the modeling of its population dynamics and to its management in the field.