Can critical temperatures be related to insect order
Insect phenology models are widely used for decision support in pest management and more recently in risk assessments During the last two decades numerous linear and nonlinear models have been used to describe insect development rates and estimate various critical temperatures (CT) including optimal development temperature (Topt) maximum development temperature (Tmax) minimum development temperature (Tmin) and thermal constant (K) (eg day degree requirements to complete development) Using a database comprising more than 600 species from laboratory and field experiments the relationship between CT for the six main insect orders Coleoptera Diptera Hymenoptera Lepidoptera Homoptera and Hemiptera was compared There were no significant differences (P>005) between Topt and Tmax for all orders but Tmin and K showed significant (P