Some biological parameters of the parasitoid, Encyrtus aurantii (Geoffroy)
(Hymenoptera : Encyrtidae) were studied under controlled laboratory conditions at five
levels of temperature 18, 21, 24, 27, and 30 °C, 65±5% R.H. and a photoperiod of 16:8
(L:D) h when reared on Brown soft scale Coccus hesperidum L. (Homoptera: Coccidae)
reared on Pumpkin Cucurbita moschata during the season 2010- 2011 . Result showed that
the longer developmental period from egg to pupa was on 18 °C with an average of 24.25
days, and the lower developmental period was on 30°C with an average of 8.25 days. The
longer developmental period from pupa to adult was on 18 °C with an average of 10.75
days, and the lower period was on 30 °C with an average of 5.5 days. The lower
developmental threshold (LDT) from egg to pupa was 15.83°C, and 14.34°C from pupa to
adult. E. aurantii required a Sum of Effective Temperatures (SET) of 122.74 degree-days
above the lower developmental threshold (16.95 °C) to complete the development from
egg to adult.
