Temperature is one of the abiotic factors that strongly influences the biology and behavior of insects. In this study, we assessed the development of egg parasitoids Ooencyrtus submetallicus and Telenomus podisi parasitizing Euschistus heros eggs at different temperatures, and estimated the average number of generations for seven representative soybean-producing regions in Brazil. A comparative biology study was conducted, where the percentage of parasitism and emergence, life cycle duration (egg–adult), and longevity were found to be similar between O. submetallicus and T. podisi. The sex ratio and the number of individuals emerged from parasitized egg were higher in O. submetallicus in all regions. In the study of thermal requirements, temperatures of 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 33 °C were tested. O. submetallicus and T. podisi developed at temperatures between 16 and 31 °C. The base temperature (Tb) for O. submetallicus and T. podisi was 9.3 and 6.7 °C, respectively; the thermal constant (K) was 336.9 and 272.7 degree-days, respectively. The estimated average number of annual generations of both parasitoids was higher than the host. O. submetallicus and T. podisi have the same ability to parasitize and develop in eggs of E. heros under the conditions studied. Both parasitoids exhibited satisfactory development and parasitism at temperatures between 19 and 31 °C. The development of both parasitoids was faster than their host, and the number of generations was higher for the seven studied localities.

Optimizing mass-rearing systems using alternative hosts is essential for successful biological control programs. This study evaluated the effect of foundress density on the biological parameters of Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) reared on pre-pupae and pupae of Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Erebidae). Hosts were individually exposed to six parasitoid densities (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 females/host) for 24 h under laboratory conditions. Tetrastichus howardi successfully parasitized both developmental stages across all densities. Parasitism and emergence rates reached 100% at densities ≥ 10 females/host. The egg-to-adult development period decreased as foundress density increased, indicating intraspecific competition. Total progeny peaked at the 25:1 density, yielding 389.4 individuals per pre-pupa and 414.0 individuals per pupa. Conversely, individual female productivity was inversely proportional to density. The sex ratio remained highly female-biased (~0.80) across all treatments, and female longevity (~9 days) was not compromised. In conclusion, A. gemmatalis pre-pupae and pupae are highly suitable alternative hosts for T. howardi multiplication. For optimized mass production, a foundress density of 5 to 10 females per host is recommended to maximize high-quality progeny yield.

Damage caused by insect pests, such as Iridopsis panopla Prout, 1932 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), has been frequent and can reduce the volume of timber produced in eucalyptus plantations by up to 40%. This study aimed to establish a laboratory rearing methodology and evaluate the development and reproduction of Iridopsis panopla on different diets. The experiments were conducted at the Insect Biotechnology Laboratory (BIOINSECTH) of the Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, under controlled conditions (25 ± 2 °C, 70 ± 10% RH, and a 14-hour photoperiod). We evaluated larval duration and viability, pre-pupa period and viability, morphological characteristics of caterpillars, pupae, and eggs, sexual dimorphism, as well as pre-oviposition, oviposition, and post-oviposition periods. The width of the cephalic capsule and larval length were measured daily from hatching to the prepupa stage. Five treatments were tested: a diet of Chrysodeixis includens combined with leaves from clone I144 (Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis) (D1); a diet of C. includens (D2); a diet of Spodoptera frugiperda combined with leaves from clone I144 (D3); a diet of S. frugiperda (D4); and isolated leaves of clone I144 (D5). The diet significantly influenced the biological performance of the species. The combination of leaves from clone I144 (Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis) with a C. includens diet (D1) resulted in the best development and reproduction. Diet D4 proved unviable, and the exclusive provision of leaves from clone I14. Iridopsis panopla completed five larval instars on viable diets, with variation in the interval between molts depending on the treatment. Iridopsis panopla can be successfully reared in the laboratory, showing better performance when fed with leaves from clone I144 combined with the artificial diet of Chrysodeixis includens.