Diaspis echinocacti (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on cactus pear cladodes: biological aspects at different temperatures

Abstract The scale mealybug, Diaspis echinocacti (Bouché, 1833) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), is one of the main pests cactus pear in Brazil. objective was to study biological aspects D. at constant temperatures 25, 28, 30, 33 and 35 °C with relative humidity 60 ± 10% photoperiod 12 hours laboratory on cultivar, “Orelha de Elefante Mexicana”, Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw. development period (22 days) survival egg (92 100%) nymph (21.8 stages egg-adult cycle (20 100%), longevity (34.1 59.6 fecundity (33 112 eggs) females different temperature absence males highest (> 30°C), indicated that range between 25 30°C most favorable for this mealybug. This information may help improve integrated management programs echinocacti, areas subject seasonal changes Brazilian regions where cultivated.