Temperature-Dependent Development and Modeling of Zeugodacus tau (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Journal
ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Journal Volume
55
Journal Issue
12
Start Page
e70086
ISSN
1738-2297
Date Issued
2025-12-17
Author(s)
Abstract
The pumpkin fruit fly, Zeugodacus tau (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a polyphagous pest of horticultural crops across Asia and Oceania. Understanding its thermal biology is essential for predicting phenology and invasion risk under climate change. We examined stage-specific development at constant temperatures ranging from 11.7°C to 40.9°C. Development accelerated with increasing temperature, reaching an optimum between 25°C and 31°C, but failed to complete at ≥ 35.8°C. Linear regression estimated lower developmental thresholds of 5.0°C, 7.8°C, and 9.1°C for eggs, larvae, and pupae, with corresponding thermal constants of 31.0, 104.0, and 145.9 degree-days. The total immature stage required 285.1 degree-days above 8.3°C. Among five nonlinear models tested, the Lobry–Rosso–Flandrois (LRF) function provided the best overall fit (r2 = 0.99) and, when integrated with a Weibull distribution, successfully simulated temperature-dependent adult emergence. Comparative analysis indicated that Z. tau develops more rapidly at cooler temperatures than Bactrocera dorsalis and Zeugodacus cucurbitae, suggesting a potential competitive advantage in temperate regions. Together, the estimated lower developmental thresholds, thermal constants, and nonlinear model parameters provide robust inputs for degree-day and mechanistic phenology models. These models can be used to forecast adult emergence, assess the likelihood of range expansion under climate warming, and support the development of targeted surveillance and management strategies for this invasive pest.
Subjects
climate change
development
temperature
thermal threshold
Zeugodacus tau
Publisher
Wiley
Type
journal article