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Abstract
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Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae Keifer (Diptilomiopidae) is one of the important pests of fig trees in fig orchards located in
western regions of Iran. The effect of constant temperatures of 17, 20, 25, 30, 33 and 36 °C on demographic parameters
of R. ficifoliae was studied at 60 ± 5% relative humidity and a photoperiod of 16: 8 h (L: D) fed on fig leaves under
laboratory conditions. The development of this phytophagous mite at 36 ºC failed. The total longevity of females
decreased as temperature increased and longest and shortest periods were recorded at 17 °C (48.50 days) and 33 °C (14.33
days). The total fecundity increased as temperature increased from 11.04 eggs at 17 °C to 25.04 eggs at 25 °C, then
declined and reached 12.44 eggs at 33 °C. The value of net reproductive rate (R0) increased with increasing temperatures
from 17 °C (4.23 offspring individual−1) to 25 °C (19.62 offspring individual −1), then decreased at 30 °C (17.30 (offspring
individual −1) and 32 °C (6.63 offspring individual −1). The mean generation time (T) was significantly different at
temperatures tested. The mean generation time decreased from 33.39 days at 17 °C to 9.63 days at 33 °C. The gross
reproductive rate (GRR) increased from 7.67 offspring individual −1 at 17 °C to 21.98 offspring individual−1 at 25 °C, then
decreased at 30 and 33 °C and reached 9.85 offspring individual −1. The highest and lowest values of the intrinsic rate of
increase (r) were 0.234 and 0.043 day−1, that obtained at 30 and 17 °C, respectively. The presented information in this
study can be used to management of this pest.
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