The effect of temperature on the development of the predator Hippodamia variegata
(Coleoptera:Coccinellidae) reared on the green peach aphid Myzus persicae Sulzer
(Homoptera:Aphididae) was determined at five constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30
a
nd 35)°C under laboratory conditions. The present study was conducted at Latakia
Agricultural Research Center during 2015 and 2016. This study aimed to determine
the impact of temperature on the development of the predator H. variegata to
identify the suitable temperature for rearing this predator. The duration (days) and
survival (%) were measured for this predator. Results showed that temperature had
a significant effect on the development of H. variegata immature stages, whereas
the development time from larvae to adult decreased with increasing temperature
at thermal range (15-35)°C. The longest larval developmental duration was 24.84 days
at 15°C, and the shortest duration was 4 days at 35°C. Also, the shortest pupal
duration was one day at 35°C and the longest period was 9.84 days at 15°C. The
lowest developmental time from eggs hatching to emergence of adults was 6 days
at 35°C, while the longest developmental time was 36.84 days at 15°C. Also the
ratio of larval survival was affected by temperature, this ratio was (26%, 52%,
77%, 34%, 4%) at (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35)°C respectively. The results of statistical
analysis showed that there were significant differences between the five constant
temperatures in all studied biological characteristics, and the temperature 25°C was
suitable for a successful rearing of the predator H. variegata.
