Data from: Temperature effects on development and population growth of two parasitoids (Hymenoptera) of the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei)
Abstract
These data are from a study that evaluated the thermal biology of two key parasitoids of Hypothenemus hampei (Coffee berry borer; Coleoptera: Curculionidae): the larval-pupal ectoparasitoid Prorops nasuta (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) and the adult endoparasitoid Phymastichus coffea (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Using age-stage, two-sex life tables across eight constant temperatures, we quantified temperature effects on development, survival, fecundity, and population growth. We identified 22-25°C as the optimal range for survival, and fecundity peaked at 25°C . Life-table parameters indicate maximal population growth at 25°C for both parasitoids. Development failed at extreme temperatures (32 and 35°C), highlighting upper thermal limits relevant to mass-rearing and field releases for both parasitoids. Degree-day models were developed to estimate the potential number of generations across Colombian coffee-growing regions. We predict 5.5-11.6 annual generations of P. nasuta and 2.2-8.6 of P. coffea, depending on local temperature regimes. These results identify optimal temperature ranges for rearing and deploying P. nasuta and P. coffea and provide spatially relevant predications for their establishment potential in Colombian coffee-growing regions. Regions with mean temperatures between 22-28°C are expected to support the greatest efficacy of augmentative biological control programs targeting the coffee berry borer.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Insect behavior and control techniques
Insect-Plant Interactions and Control
Physiological and biochemical adaptations
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Ag Data Commons
- Publication date
- 6 February 2026
- Document type
- Dataset