Abstract

The effect of temperature on the development and survival of the guava fruit fly,Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi) (Diptera: Tephritidae) from egg to adult’s pre-ovipositional stage was studied in laboratory under 5 different constant temperatures: 18, 24, 30, 33 and 36°C. The developmental time of the egg, larva and pupa significantly decreased with increasing temperature from 18 to 33°C. The developmental rate of the pre-oviposition stage reached physiological maximum at the higher temperature (36°C). At 18°C, no female oviposited. The survival rate reached maximum at 24 - 33°C and decreased at higher or lower temperature. The lower developmental thresholds, thermal constants and lethal high temperatures for different life stages of the fly were also estimated. The results will be useful for the predicting the fly’s population dynamics and geographical distribution, which would help develop the fly management strategies.

Key words: Guava fruit fly, temperature-dependent development, lower developmental threshold, thermal constant, lethal high temperature.