Abstract: In order to understand the adaptability of Pleonomus canaliculatus under different environmental conditions, we detected respiratory rate of insects by using Sable Systems at different temperatures, oxygen concentrations, illumination and humidity. The results indicated that the breathing pattern of P. canaliculatus was the variable-amplitude oscillated type. The CO₂ release rate was significantly influenced by temperature and illumination, and there were significant differences between different treatments. The minimum value of the CO₂ release rate (7.22 μL/h) was detected at 5℃, while its maximum value was detected (180.74 μL/h) at 35℃, and there was extremely significant difference between the two treatments (P<0.01). Respiration intensity of P. canaliculatus under intense light source was two times as high as that under dark (P<0.05). The changes of oxygen concentration and air humidity had no significant contribution to the CO₂ release rate. The Q₁₀ model which represents the sensitivity of respiration rate of insects to temperature was successfully established by the data analysis. It is so concluded that the temperature and light play a main role in P. canaliculatus respiratory metabolism process whereas low oxygen and humidity are less involved.

Key words: Pleonomus canaliculatus, respiratory metabolism, environmental factors, breathing pattern, respiratory rate, CO₂ release rate