Temperature impact on the phenology of Nesidiocoris tenuis feeding on Tetranychus urticae: simulation through life cycle modelling

Climatic factors especially temperature has direct impact on the survival of insects. The mirid bug Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter is an important predator of whiteflies, leafminers, thrips, mites, and various lepidopterans. The impact of temperature on population parameters of N. tenuis was studied by developing model. The rearing temperature had significant impact on the development of N. tenuis. The development time of each nymphal stage decreased with the increase in rearing temperature. The rate of development for each stage increased linearly with the increase in temperature. The optimum temperature, lower and upper developmental thresholds for immature development of the bug varied from 29.9–33.28, 10.1 to 12.25 and 38.82 to 41.1 °C, respectively. The fertility statistics generated for N. tenuis reared on Tetranychus urticae Koch at different temperatures indicate that temperature between 20 and 35 °C is suitable for population growth and multiplication of the bug, whereas, low temperature (15 °C or below) is not suitable for the same. The present study, however, provides useful information on the impact of temperature on the development, survival, reproduction and life-fertility parameters of N. tenuis which could be used for spatial mapping of the distribution and abundance of the bug, and its possible utilization as bio-control agent under expected climate change.