Influence of Temperature, Humidity, and Photophase on the Developmental Stages of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Prediction of Its Population Dynamics.

Abstract

Spodoptera litura (Fabricius, 1775) is a major agricultural pest that primarily targets vegetables, cash crops, peanuts, and sugarcane. It causes damage to leaves, flower buds, and fruits, leading to significant reductions in crop yields. Global climate change may profoundly affect the population dynamics and biological traits of this pest. This research employs a meta-analysis to systematically investigate the impact of temperature variation on the developmental parameters of S. litura. A detailed review of 17 relevant studies reveals that within an optimal temperature range (30 °C to 35 °C), higher temperatures expedite the developmental processes of S. litura, shorten its life cycle, and enhance the reproductive potential of female adults. In contrast, temperatures exceeding 35 °C slow down its development, increase mortality rates, and markedly reduce the egg-laying capacity of females, highlighting the adverse effects of heat stress on growth and reproduction. Furthermore, different life stages of S. litura exhibit varying degrees of temperature sensitivity, with the larval stage being particularly vulnerable to high temperatures, while extreme heat significantly suppresses adult survival. These meta-analysis findings shed light on the biological responses of S. litura to climate change and provide a scientific basis for developing future pest management strategies. As global temperatures rise, moderate warming may facilitate the spread of S. litura populations, exacerbating their threat to crop production, whereas extreme heat conditions could constrain their growth. Consequently, pest control strategies must be more region-specific and aligned with local climatic trends.