Stathas, G.J. 2000a The effect of temperature on the development of the predator Rhyzobius lophanthae and its phenology in Greece.. Biocontrol Dordecht 45(4): 439-451.

Notes: The effect of temperature on the development of Rhyzobius lophanthae Blaisdell (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) fed on Aspidiotus nerii Bouche (Homoptera: Diaspididae) was studied under controlled laboratory conditions. The duration of each developmental stage and adult longevity were measured at 15, 20, 25, and 30 degrees C. The life cycle of R. lophanthae (from egg to oviposition) lasted 78.7, 43.6, 32.1, and 23.9 days, whereas the average adult longevity was 257.6, 171.4, 121.3, and 88.5 days at each temperature, respectively. Low temperature thresholds of R. lophanthae immature life stages ranged from 7.6 to 9.3 degrees C, while the thermal constant for the development of R. lophanthae from egg to adult was 443.5 degree-days. The average fecundity at 25 degrees C was 633.7 eggs per female. Rhyzobius lophanthae reared in cages outdoors during 1993-1995 at Kifissia, Athens developed 5 complete overlapping generations per year from May to October and a 6th partial overlapping generation during February and March. Adults of the 4th and 5th generation survived winter conditions giving rise to the following year's 1st generation. Females were reproductively active throughout the year, indicating that R. lophanthae does not diapause.