The Effects of Temperature on the Development, Morphology, and Fecundity of Aenasius bambawalei (=Aenasius arizonensis)

Abstract

The effects of high temperature on the developmental, morphological, and fecundity characteristics of insects, including biological invaders and their accompanying natural enemies, are clear. Phenacoccus solenopsis (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) is an aggressive invasive insect pest worldwide. Aenasius bambawalei (=Aenasius arizonensis Girault) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a predominant accompanying parasitoid of this mealybug. Our previous studies showed that temperature change induced an increase in the female offspring ratio of A. bambawalei. However, whether this increase is the result of a shortened or enhanced development period of the reproductive systems of A. bambawalei remains unknown. Here, we compared the pupal development, hind tibia of female adults, and fecundity of A. bambawalei under different temperatures to clarify the development and morphological changes induced by high temperature and to better understand its potential as an accompanying natural enemy. Our results showed that, at a high temperature (36 °C), the pupal developmental duration of A. bambawalei was only 0.80 times that of the control, and the length of the hind tibia was 1.16 times that of the control. Moreover, high temperature accelerated the developmental rate of gonads and increased the numbers of eggs and sperm. These results indicated that experimental warming shortened the pupal developmental duration, altered the hind tibia length of female adults, and facilitated the fecundity of A. bambawalei. These findings will help to understand the adaptation mechanisms of accompanying natural enemies. Furthermore, these findings will help to make use of this behavior to effectively control invasive pests.

Impact of changing temperature combinations on the biology and life table parameters of Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

“…Govindan & Hutchison, (2020) too had given similar results while studying the effect of temperature on brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and observed that pre-oviposition period was longest at 20°C (32.67 ± 1.37 days) followed by that at 23°C and 27°C and shortest at 30°C and 33°C and ranged from 10.84 to 11.54 days. The longer pre-oviposition period at low temperature in our studies may be associated with longer time required for ovaries development (Zhang et al, 2021).…”

Multigenerational variation in the nutrients and digestion of western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) depends on the nutritive quality of different foods

“…Variation in food nutrient contents can lead to differences in insect nutrient content, resulting in modified growth, development, and reproduction of insects ( Cao et al 2015 , Qin et al 2017 ). Nutritional indexes can reflect the host plant’s suitability for insects ( Zhang et al 2018 ).…”

Function of Vitellogenin receptor gene in reproductive regulation of Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) after short-term high-temperature treatment

“… Lv et al (2021) revealed that rearing Cnaphalocrocis medinalis at 34°C results in remarkably lower fecundity than those at 18°C and 22°C. Rearing of Aenasius bambawalei at 36°C results in fast gonad development, increased egg and sperm production, and enhanced reproduction capacity ( Zhang et al, 2021 ). However, the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events are increasing ( Ma and Ma, 2016 ), insects experience short and extreme heat rather than constant heat, and extreme heat may drive insect responses to climate change more than average temperature in the context of global warming ( Ma et al, 2021 ).…”