A dynamic model of larval Mexican bean beetle survival as a function of body water balance

Abstract

Abstract. This paper presents evidence of the relationship between survival and body water content in the Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Results of a simulation model for dynamically describing water balance and survival are compared with experimental data for the Mexican bean beetle feeding on both lima bean and soybean under different variable temperature and moisture regimes.

A dynamic model of water gain and loss in larval Mexican bean beetle

“…To use and assess this model of water balance in simulating its effect on survival under variable conditions, it is necessary to first relate body water content to survival and to validate the results against independent data collected under variable temperatures and moistures for both hosts. Such an effort is beyond the scope of this paper and is reported elsewhere (Chu et al, 1992).…”