Population growth and development of the psocid Liposcelis obscura (Psocodea: Liposcelididae) at constant temperatures and relative humidities

The effects of nine temperatures (22.5, 25.0, 27.5, 30.0, 32.5, 35.0, 37.5, 40.0, and 42.5 °C) four relative humidities (RHs; 43, 55, 63, 75%) on the population growth development parthenogenetic Liposcelis obscura Broadhead (Psocodea: Liposcelididae) were investigated in laboratory studies. Results showed that L. did not survive at 43% RH all tested. At 55% RH, survived 22.5, 25, 27.5 °C; none °C ≤63% RH. Population was highest 40.0 75% where increase 216-fold from an initial five adult females. has three-to-five nymphal instars, percentages individuals with three, four, instars 52, 41, 7%, respectively. Temperature-dependent developmental equations developed for eggs, individual nymphal, combined immature stages. populations grew much faster 30–42.5 Based equation total time, predicted optimal temperature is 39.2 completed 14.0 d. upper threshold estimated as 47.1 °C. lower 14.7 These data provide a better understanding dynamics can be used to develop effective management strategies this psocid.