Effect of photoperiod and temperature on the reproductive responses of Protaetia brevitarsis

In the present study, we investigated the effects of temperature and photoperiod on oviposition of Protaetia brevitarsis. The effects of long- and short-day cycles on oviposition and egg hatching of P. brevitarsis were investigated at different temperatures. Three male-female pairs were confined to oviposition chambers maintained at $20^{\circ}C$, $25^{\circ}C$, $30^{\circ}C$, and $35^{\circ}C$, with 16L:8D and 8L:16D photoperiod. Oviposition was observed at all temperatures. The total number of eggs laid per female was between 46.8 and 110.8, and the optimal temperature for oviposition and fertility was between $20^{\circ}C$ and $30^{\circ}C$. Furthermore, it was difficult for the eggs to hatch at $35^{\circ}C$. Fewer eggs were laid under short photoperiod than under long photoperiod at all temperatures. Hatching success was 93.5% at $20^{\circ}C$, 90.9% at $25^{\circ}C$, 71.5% at $30^{\circ}C$ and 37.3% at $35^{\circ}C$ under long-day(16L:8D) condition and Temperature had a strong effect on the time to hatching. Neither oviposition nor subsequent egg hatching was influenced by photoperiod and temperature. The information obtained will be useful for mass rearing P. brevitarsis.