The influence of different temperatures on the life history of the passionvine mealybug (Planococcus minor)

Planococcus minor (Maskell) is widely distributed throughout the Neotropics. It is frequently intercepted at US ports-of-entry, and therefore is considered a high priority pest. It is estimated that much of the southern US would have a suitable climate for establishment of this mealybug. Detailed life history data on this species will be useful for developing models of potential spread and improving prediction of its distribution. We investigated the effects of different temperatures (15, 20, 25, 29, and 35 ^oC) on the development, survival, and reproduction of P. minor on sprouted potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.). Colonies failed to establish at 15 and 35 ^oC. Between 20 and 29 ^oC, the duration of development of all stages was shortened with increasing temperature. The total duration of development for females was ~49 d at 20 ^oC, 31 d at 25 ^oC, and 27 d at 29 ^oC. Developmental time of males was 2-3 d longer than females. Survival rates of individual instars averaged >90%. From egg to adulthood, >80% of individual mealybugs completed development. Females made up >50% of the adult populations in all temperature treatments. Adult longevity at 25 ^oC was <2 and ~22 d for males and ovipositing females, respectively. Females at 25 ^oC produced the highest number of eggs (269.8 ± 4.1 eggs/female).