Effect of Constant Temperature Regimes on the Biological Parameters of an Anthocorid Predator Orius tantillus (Motsch)

Experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of different temperature regimes (16, 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36±1^°C) on the biological and fertility table parameters of Orius tantillus (Motsch.), an efficient indigenous predator of various thrips species in India Temperature influenced the development and reproduction of O. tantillus. Based on the biological parameters, viz. longevity, fecundity and fertility parameters, 24^°C was recorded to be the optimum temperature for rearing O. tantillus. The temperature of 16^°C had a detrimental effect on nymphal survival, while 36^°C on fecundity. Thus, 16 and 36^°C were recorded as unsuitable for rearing O. tantillus. The lower threshold temperatures for development of eggs and nymphs of O. tantillus were 8.66 and 6.92^°C, respectively, indicating that the eggs are more heat-sensitive than the nymphs. Based on the T₀ values, O. tantillus appears to be less heat sensitive in comparison to other Orius spp. The information generated through this study could be used for further improving the standardized production protocol for O. tantillus and also for planning and timing field releases to target thrips species.