Life History Parameters of <I>Chinavia hilaris</I> (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), a Stink Bug Injurious to Pistachios in California

Life history parameters were established under controlled laboratory conditions for the green stink bug, Chinavia hilaris (Say) (= Acrosternum hilare), to improve pest control in pistachios in California. Parameters measured and calculated included survival and development at seven constant temperatures (ranging from 15 to 35 degrees C), development time, upper and lower development thresholds, thermal constants, fecundity, generation time, net reproductive rate, and intrinsic rate of increase. C. hilaris did not complete development at 15 and 35 degrees C. Within the range of 20-27.5 degrees C, development time decreased linearly with temperature; it increased again at 30 degrees C. The lower threshold was calculated by linear methods to be 12.3 degrees C, and the thermal constant was calculated to be 588 degree days. Fastest development was recorded at 27.5 degrees C, whereas greatest survival was observed at 22.5 degrees C. At 27.5 degrees C, mean fecundity was 53.5 eggs per female, mean generation time was 74.4 d, net reproductive rate was 20.09, and intrinsic rate of increase was 0.04. Use of a nonlinear model yielded estimates of 13.2, 28.4, and 33.4 degrees C, for the lower threshold, optimum temperature, and upper threshold, respectively. Results were compared with similar studies and interpreted in the light of pest management needs in pistachio. Increased emphasis on monitoring and management ofoverwintering sites and early-season migration are recommended.