The effects of temperature on the development, fecundity and mortality of Eretmocerus warrae: is Eretmocerus warrae better adapted to high temperatures than Encarsia formosa?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Eretmocerus warrae (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is a parasitoid of the glasshouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Here, we compare its potential as a biological control agent at high temperatures to that of Encarsia formosa (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), a wasp which is widely sold for control of T. vaporariorum. RESULTS: Eretmocerus warrae attained the highest estimated developmental rate at 31.4 ∘C and the maximum oviposition rate at 30.5 ∘C. Developmental times of E. warrae at fluctuating temperatures that simulate night-day patterns were similar to those predicted based on constant temperatures. Above the optimum temperature, E. warrae tolerated higher constant temperatures than En. formosa during development and as adults. Using a ramping temperature approach, the critical thermal maximum for adult E. warrae was significantly higher than that of adult En. formosa. CONCLUSION: Eretmocerus warrae is better adapted to high temperatures than En. formosa, and could therefore be a complementary or superior biological control agent during summer months in hot regions.