Age-stage, two-sex life table: Theory, data analysis, and application

Insects and mites are stage-structured.  An accurate description of their stage differentiation is not only important in basic ecological studies, but is also crucial in practical applications such as IPM and biological control.  Traditional female age-specific life tables ignore both the male portion of the population and stage differentiation; and are, therefore, incapable of accurately describing insect development and reproduction. The age-stage, two-sex life table includes both sexes and precisely describes the stage differentiation in raw data analysis; moreover, it produces a solid relationship between the mean fecundity and net reproductive rate (R₀) via mathematical proof.  By incorporating the stage-specific predation or consumption rate, the age-stage, two-sex life table offers a promising method for studies involving predator-prey relationships, biological control programs, economical injury levels in IPM, and determining precise timing of various control measures.