The development of Gargaphia torresi Lima on cotton leaves was studied in bioclimatic chambers at 20, 23, 25, 28 and 30ºC, relative humidity of 70±10%, and a 12h:12h (L:D) photoperiod. The incubation period varied from 11 (20ºC) to 4 (30ºC) days; nymphal stage of individuals that originated females and males varied from 20.8 (20ºC) to 8.3 (30ºC) days and from 20.8 (20ºC) to 8.6 (30ºC) days, respectively. Development of immature stages for individuals that originated females and males varied from 31.8 (20ºC) to 12.3 (30ºC) days and from 31.5 (20ºC) to 12.6 (30ºC) days, respectively. The values of longevity and fecundity were inversely proportional with increase of the temperature. The thermal constant (K) and theoretical lower threshold temperature of development (Tb) were estimated by Reamur law and intercession method of the X, respectively. The theoretical lower threshold temperature of development for individuals that originated adult females and males were 13.9ºC and 13.6ºC, respectively. The immature stages for individuals that originated adult females and males required 209.4 and 220.3 degrees-days from oviposition to adult emergence, respectively.
Biology; Gargaphia torresi; Hemiptera; temperature; threshold temperature
