Effects of temperature on the development, performance and fitness of the corn leafhopper D albulus maidis ( DeLong ) ( H emiptera: C icadellidae): implications on its distribution under climate change

Maize and its wild teosinte ( Zea ) relatives are the only developmental hosts of the corn leafhopper. The leafhopper and the three phytopathogens that it transmits are found in a wide range of latitudes and elevations from the U.S.A. to A rgentina. The vector's populations would be expected to respond to environmental conditions. Temperature plays a key role in the life history of insects, limiting its geographical range. We focus on the effect of different constant temperatures on the development and fitness of D albulus maidis ( DeLong ) ( H emiptera: C icadellidae) to estimate its thermal constant and threshold temperature, which may represent useful information for studies aiming to predict its potential distribution. Temperature had a significant influence on egg‐laying and hatchability, as well as development and pre‐imaginal survival of the vector, whereas the offspring sex ratio was not influenced. Dalbulus maidis required 648.26  degree‐days above a threshold of 4.9 °C to complete a life cycle; it had a wide oviposition range (15–40 °C), although its fitness occurred in a narrower range (17.5–35 °C). Apparently, the distribution range of D. maidis could be restricted by host plant availability more than by temperature. The vector is unlikely to develop permanent populations in temperate areas of the A merican continent because there is no availability of host plants for extended periods, with mean temperatures below 17 °C.