Effects of Temperature and Water Source on Development of Deraeocoris nebulosus (Uhler) (Hemiptera: Miridae), a Predacious Plant Bug¹

The development of Deraeocoris nebulosus (Uhler) was studied in relation to temperature and to water sources additional to food. Development time for D. nebulosus was linear between 20° and 30°C, allowing the use of a linear equation to calculate degree days. The eggs of D. nebulosus required 111.1 degree days over a threshold of 13.9°C to complete development. Nymphal development for males and females of D. nebulosus was about 1.5 times faster at 25°C than at 20°C, 1.5 times faster at 30°C than at 25°C, and almost 2.5 times faster at 30°C than at 20°C. Males developed 2 d faster than females (protandry) at 20°C, but did not develop faster at the other temperatures. This study provides the first record of temperature-regulated protandry in insects. Nymphs of D. nebulosus required 166.7 degree days over a threshold of 12.7°C for males and 15.2°C for females. Preoviposition period was almost 12 d at 20°C and about 6 d at 25° and 30°C. Water source (free water, sugar water, or sweet potato leaf) did not affect the development of D. nebulosus when fed moth eggs.