Effects of Environmental Temperature on Life Tables of Rhodnius neivai Lent, 1953 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) under Experimental Conditions

Changes in life tables of Rhodnius neivai due to variations of environmental temperature were studied, based on nine cohorts. Three cohorts were kept at 22C, three at 27C and three at 32C. Cohorts were censused daily during nymphal instars and weekly in adults. Nine complete horizontal life tables were built. A high negative correlation between temperature and age at first laying was registered (r=-0,84). Age at maximum reproduction was significantly lower at 32C. Average number of eggs/female/week and total eggs/female on its life time were significantly lower at 22C. Total number of egg by cohort and total number of reproductive weeks were significantly higher at 27C. At 32C, generational time was significantly lower. At 27C net reproductive rate and total reproductive value were significantly higher. At 22C, intrinsic growth, finite growth and finite birth rates were significantly lower. At 22C, death instantaneous rate was significantly higher.

Keywords
temperature - vital statistics - Triatominae - Rhodnius neivai - Venezuela