Abstract: In order to clarify the influence of temperature on the parasitism of Habrobracon hebetor (Say), the paralysis and the parasitism of the parasitoid H. hebetor as a biological control agent against Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner), were determined at 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32 and 35℃ in the laboratory. The functional response of H. hebetor parasitizing P. interpunctella was examined at different host densities. A functional response equation was fitted to each temperature regime. The results indicated that within the temperature range of 17 to 29℃, the handling time was inversely proportional to temperature, ranged from 0.341 d at 17℃ to 0.068 d at 29℃. But over 29℃, the handling time was extended. The instantaneous search rate changed with temperature, being the lowest at 17℃ and highest at 29℃. But over 32℃, the instantaneous search rate decreased as the temperature increased. A temperature mediated functional response equation was fitted to the data, in which the handling time was a quadratic function of temperature. Accordingly, H. hebetor can parasitize more individuals of hosts within the temperature range of 26 to 29℃, which is favorable for its reproduction.

Key words: Habrobracon hebetor, Plodia interpunctella, parasitism, functional response, temperature