Abstract: 【Aim】 Athetis dissimilis (Hampson) is an agricultural pest newly found in mainland China in recent years, and has similar morphology and the same damage characteristics as Athetis lepigone (M?schler). This study aims to explore the effects of temperature on the growth and development of A. dissimilis so as to provide a basis for its population monitoring and management. 【Methods】 In the laboratory (photoperiod 16L∶8D, RH 70%±10%), the developmental duration, mortality, fecundity of A. dissimilis were studied, and the developmental threshold temperature and effective accumulated temperature were calculated at five different temperatures (17, 21, 25, 29 and 33℃). 【Results】 A. dissimilis could complete its life cycle within the constant temperature ranging from 17 to 33℃, and the developmental duration decreased with the temperature increasing. At 17 and 21℃, larvae pupated after the 7th instar, while above 25℃ larvae just had 6 instars. The lowest mortality (only 21.00%) emerged at 25℃. The number of eggs laid per female was 763.95 at 25℃, which was higher than those at other temperatures. The developmental threshold temperature and effective accumulated temperature of the whole generation were 9.38℃ and 1 015.36 degree-days, respectively. The duration of male and female adults and the oviposition period decreased with the temperature increasing in the range of 17-33℃, and the longevity of female adults was longer than that of males. At the five temperatures, the sex ratios (male to female) were all between 1.18 and 1.20. 【Conclusion】 The optimal temperature for the development and reproduction of A. dissimilis is 25℃.  

Key words: Athetis dissimilis, temperature, growth and development, developmental threshold temperature, effective accumulated temperature