How to translate text using browser tools
16 August 2018 Optimal Temperature for Rearing the Edible Ruspolia differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)
V. J. Lehtovaara, H. Roininen, A. Valtonen
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) is an insect with significant economic potential in Africa. However, to mass-rear this species on a large scale, the optimal rearing temperature needs to be determined. We assessed multiple performance traits for R. differens reared at seven constant temperatures, ranging from 18 to 32°C, from newly hatched nymphs to 3 wk after adult molting. The highest observed survival was at 30°C (mean survival of 86.7%), where also the development rate reached its maximum. At this temperature, the development from newly hatched nymphs to adults took approximately 49 d. The weight of individuals at the time of adult molt reached its maximum at 28°C (mean weight of 0.62 g). To maximize the yield from mass-rearing, suggested time to harvest R. differens is 10 d after the adult molt. According to our results, during this time period R. differens individuals can achieve up to 50% higher weight than if harvested immediately after adult molting. For maximal survival and weight gain, we recommend rearing temperature of 28–30°C, whereas a slightly higher temperature of 31°C leads to the shortest development time. Taking into account all the performance traits, the overall optimal temperature is estimated at 29°C. Our results can be used when developing large-scale, mass-rearing protocols for R. differens in controlled temperatures.

© The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.
V. J. Lehtovaara, H. Roininen, and A. Valtonen "Optimal Temperature for Rearing the Edible Ruspolia differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)," Journal of Economic Entomology 111(6), 2652-2659, (16 August 2018). https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toy234
Received: 9 April 2018; Accepted: 16 July 2018; Published: 16 August 2018
JOURNAL ARTICLE
8 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
‘the edible grasshopper’
Briére-1 model
edible insect
nsenene
The African edible bush cricket
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top