Life table parameters and population growth of Muscidifurax sinesensilla (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) on Musca...

To investigate the influence of temperature on the population parameters of Muscidifurax sinesensilla, a key natural enemy to the house fly (Musca domestica), we evaluated its developmental duration, survival, fecundity, and other biological traits at four constant temperatures (18, 22, 26, and 30°C); life tables were constructed using the age-stage, two-sex life table method. The results showed that M. sinesensilla completed its life cycle across all tested temperatures. With increasing temperature, the durations of immature stages, adult longevity, reproductive period, total preoviposition period, and mean generation time decreased significantly. The net reproductive rate (R0) reached its highest values at 22-26°C, but declined significantly at 30°C. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) were highest at 26 and 30°C, with no significant difference between these two temperatures. Although population growth was fastest at 30°C due to the shortened developmental period and generation time, both survival and reproductive performance at this temperature were lower than those at 26°C. These findings suggest that 30°C is close to the upper threshold of suitable temperature for M. sinesensilla. Overall, 26°C appears to be optimal for population rearing as it provides a balance of rapid development, high reproductive output, and strong population growth potential. This study provides a basis for optimizing mass-rearing conditions and improving the application efficiency of M. sinesensilla in biological control programs.