Temperature dependent survival and fecundity of Lepidelphax pistiae Remes Lenicov (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), a potential biological control agent of Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae)

Lepidelphax pistiae Remes Lenicov (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) is monophagous on Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae), an invasive floating plant in Florida. Temperature studies were conducted to determine the optimal temperature for development and reproduction for this potential biological control agent. Egg development time decreased as temperature increased from 17 degrees C to 30 degrees C. No eggs developed and no nymphs survived at 15 degrees C. Adult females survived the longest at 15 degrees C, indicating that they might be more resilient to cold temperatures. Optimal temperature for nymph development was 25 degrees C with 29% surviving to adulthood in 18.2 +/- 0.4 days.