Temperature-dependent development and estimation of the main thermal indices for immature stages of the common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea, using linear models

Temperature-dependent development of the common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea was studied at four constant temperatures, 20, 25, 27 and 30ºC, 50 - 60% RH and a photoperiod of 16L: 8D h in growth chamber. Developmental rate of incubation period (egg), larval instars, pupal period and overall immature stages of the common green lacewing increased linearly in relation to temperature. Two mathematical models, including common and Ikemoto and Takai linear models, were used to describe temperature-dependent development of the common green lacewing. Based on the statistical criteria, whereas the common linear model had shown an acceptable fit to data, Ikemoto and Takai linear model estimated thermal indices more precisely than common linear model. Estimated values for thermal requirement for incubation period, 1st. 2nd, and 3rd larval instars, total larval period, pupal period and overall immature stages of the common green lacewing were 56.821, 52.719, 28.979, 33.199, 115.470, 120.432 and 290.986 degree-days, respectively, and the values of the lower temperature threshold for the mentioned above developmental stages were 10.848, 9.572, 13.307, 12.514, 11.487, 12.004 and 11.624°C, respectively, by using Ikemoto and Takaei linear model. Moreover, mathematical models for description of temperature-dependent development of the common green lacewing developmental stages were presented.