Temperature Dependent Development and Thermal Sensitivity of Blaptica dubia (Blattodea: Blaberidae)
Abstract Temperature dependent development of nymphs of the Dubia cockroach, Blaptica dubia Serville, was described using constant temperature data collected from laboratory experiments at 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 degC. Simple linear regression models were developed based on the data from each instar. Degree days required to complete a particular life stage were estimated as 457.5, 668, 1,031, 1,317, 1,515, 1,429, and 2,071 for instars 1 7, respectively. Nymphs developed to adulthood at 20, 25, and 30 degC, but all died before developing into fifth instar at 35 degC and into second instar at 40 degC. Critical thermal maximum (CTMax) and critical thermal minimum (CTMin) of B. dubia were also measured for each instar. CTMax ranged from 44.8 to 49.9 degC for fourth and second instars, respectively. CTMin ranged from approximately 2 degC for seventh instar to 3.1 degC for second instar. There was no relationship between body mass (instar) and CTMax; however, CTMin was positively correlated with body mass. These results could be used to control the development rate of B. dubia and adjust the optimal rearing temperature for B. dubia in a given situation.
Journal of Economic Entomology