Of all the environmental factors affecting the development and behavior of insects and mites, temperature may be the most critical. Since arthropods are cold blooded, their body temperatures are usually close to the temperature of the surrounding environment, and their metabolism and development are directly affected by increases and decreases in temperature. Each stage of an insect or mite species has a low and a high point at which development ceases. These are called threshold temperature levels.
Most species that are collected and brought indoors for rearing can be held at normal room temperature; the optimum temperature for rearing will vary from species to species and with different stages of the same species. As with all rearing techniques, every attempt should be made to duplicate natural conditions. Specimens that normally would overwinter outdoors should be kept during the winter in rearing cages placed in an unheated room, porch, or garage. Never place an enclosed rearing cage in direct sunlight; the heat becomes too intense and may kill the specimens.
Most species that are collected and brought indoors for rearing can be held at normal room temperature; the optimum temperature for rearing will vary from species to species and with different stages of the same species. As with all rearing techniques, every attempt should be made to duplicate natural conditions. Specimens that normally would overwinter outdoors should be kept during the winter in rearing cages placed in an unheated room, porch, or garage. Never place an enclosed rearing cage in direct sunlight; the heat becomes too intense and may kill the specimens.
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