Effects of short-term exposure to high temperature at larval stage on the development and fecundity of Assara inouei

Objective  To investigate the effects of short-term exposure to high temperature at larval stage on the survival rate, development and fecundity of Assara inouei.

Method  Neonate larvae or mature larvae of A. inouei were exposed to high temperatures of 35, 38, 41 and 45 ℃ for 1, 2 and 4 h, respectively, and the survival rate was measured. After neonate larvae or mature larvae of A. inouei were exposed to high temperatures of 35, 38 and 41 ℃ for 1, 2 and 4 h, respectively, biological parameters of developmental duration, pupation rate, emergence rate, male and female longevity, number of eggs laid per female and egg hatching rate were investigated.

Result  The survival rate of neonate larvae decreased gradually with the increase of temperature and treatment time. The developmental duration of neonate larvae was shortened by 35 ℃ treatment, but the developmental durations were prolonged by 38 and 41 ℃ treatments. After mature larvae were exposed to high temperature for short term, the pupation rate, pupal weight, emergence rate, oviposition period, female longevity and number of eggs laid per female decreased gradually, and pupal duration prolonged gradually with the increase of temperature and treatment time.

Conclusion  Neonate larvae have higher adaptability to short-term high temperature than mature larvae. Short-term exposure to high temperature has significant effects on the survival, development and fecundity of mature larvae of A. inouei. The results reveal the adaptability of A. inouei larvae to high temperature, and provide a scientific basis for predicting the population dynamics of A. inouei.