Effect of Temperature on Oviposition and Adult Longevity of the Legume Pod Borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract

The effect of temperature on oviposition and adult longevity of the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) was examined at four constant temperatures with a 14L10D photoperiod. The mean numbers of eggs laid per female were 838, 856, 777 and 644 at 27, 25, 22 and 20°C, respectively. Female adult longevity and pre-ovipositional period were shortened with increasing temperature. The net reproductive rate was highest at 25°C (342.2), and the intrinsic rates of natural increase were 0.1844, 0.1847, 0.1807 and 0.1661 at 27, 25, 22 and 20°C, respectively.