Rearing thermal conditions modulate the feeding attributes of Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)

Abstract

Effects of temperature on the different parameters of consumption and utilization of food, such as consumption index, conversion of ingested food, absolute digestibility, conversion of digested food and growth rate were investigated by rearing Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister at 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C and 35°C. Death of different life stages, including under-developed adults occurred at 15 and 35°C. Maximum consumption index during the feeding period was observed at 25°C, whereas it was minimum at 30°C. The results revealed that conversion of ingested food was maximum at 20°C and minimum at 25°C. In addition, the conversion of digested food was maximum at 20°C and minimum at 25°C. However, absolute digestibility and relative growth rate increased with increasing temperature from 20 to 30°C.