Temperature-dependent development in Osmia cornifrons

Understanding the development of native pollinators is a critical step in the process of propagating and managing pollinators in agricultural practices. Osmia cornifrons (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) is an important pollinator of early-blooming crops including blueberry, apple, and pear. This study was conducted to investigate temperature-dependent development of O. cornifrons. A total of 22-27 eggs of O. cornifrons were placed in each of six temperatures (5°C, 13°C, 21°C, 29°C, 37°C, and 45°C) and stage-specific development of O. cornifrons was recorded daily until they became adults. Regrssion analyses were used to determine optimal temperature and lower and higher temperature thresholds. The results of this study showed that approximately 21°C was the optimal temperature for O. cornifrons development and that early instars could not survive at >37°C, indicating temperature sensitivity in egg and early larval stages. Applications of the results of this study to management and propagation of O. cornifrons are discussed in this poster.