RESUMO
In order to examine the effects of temperature on the growth, survival, and reproduction of Conogethes punctiferalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) feeding on corn kernels, the life table parameters of C. punctiferalis at 21, 24, 27, 30 â were calculated based on the age-stage two-sex life table theory, and then population dynamics of C. punctiferalis was projected based on these parameters. The results showed that the life cycles of the pest could be finished at all the four temperature treatments. The developmental duration of each stage shortened with increasing temperature, and there were significant differences among treatments. The highest fecundity (116.7 eggs per female), preadult survival rate (84.7%), and proportion of female (0.46) were observed at 24 â. The intrinsic rates of increase at 24, 27, 30 â were 0.1059, 0.1101, and 0.1045 d-1, respectively. The finite rates of increase were 1.1117, 1.1164, and 1.1102 d-1, respectively. There was no significant difference among the three treatments, but the r and λ values were significantly higher than those at 21 â. The net reproductive rates (R0) at 21, 24, 27, 30 â were 17.3, 53.7, 36.9, and 19.8, respectively. R0 at 24 â was the highest. It suggested that survival rates, fecundities and female proportions of C. punctiferalis population were high at 24-27 â, which was the suitable temperature range for its growth, survival, and reproduction.