Colen, K.G.F., Santa-Cecília, L.V.C., Moraes, J.C., & Reis, P.R. 2000 [Effects of different temperatures upon the biology of the mealybug Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell, 1893) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).]. Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura 22(2): 248-252.

Notes: [Original title: Efeitos de diferentes temperaturas sobre a biologia da cochonilha pulverulenta Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell, 1893) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).] The biology of the mealybug Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell, 1893) was studied at four temperatures: 20, 25, 30 and 35°C, aiming at the determination of its thermal requirements as basic information for pineapple pest management programs. The experiment was carried out at the Entomology Laboratory of the Centro Tecnologico do Sul de Minas (Technological centre of the south of Minas) -- CTSM/EPAMIG in Lavras-MG, during the period of June, 1996 to July, 1998, in a climate chamber. The insects were maintained on leaf fragments of pineapple cv. Smooth Cayenne. The length of the nymphal stages was inversely proportional to the temperature. Nymphal development was not completed at 35°C. The highest longevities were found at the temperature of 20°C for females and at 20 and 25°C for males. The inferior thermal threshold for development (base temperature) was 12.1; 13.5; 12.8 and 12.8°C for the 1st and 2nd instar nymphs, cocoon and nymphal periods, respectively. The thermal constants (K) for the nymphal phase of males was 393.4 degree-days and for females 605.6 degree-days. With the exception of the first instar, all the thermal constants obtained for females were superior to those determined for males.