Temperature‐dependent development and life table parameters of the elm leaf beetle, Xanthogaleruca luteola (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), under laboratory conditions

Elm trees ( Ulmus spp.) are common ornamentals in urban green spaces and are frequently affected by insect pests and diseases. The elm leaf beetle, Xanthogaleruca luteola (Müller) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is one of the most significant pests of elm trees in Iran and worldwide, causing substantial damage to urban greenery each year.

This pest injures trees by feeding on their leaves during both larval and adult stages. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of seven constant temperatures (15, 17, 20, 25, 30, 32, and 35°C) on the life‐table parameters of X. luteola and to determine its temperature thresholds under laboratory conditions.

The results revealed that the mean duration of the egg stage ranged from 4 to 15 days, depending on temperature. The duration of the adult stage was longest at 17°C (114.93 ± 2.87 days) and shortest at 32°C (11.81 ± 0.62 days).

At 15 and 35°C, the beetles failed to complete development and did not reach adulthood. The intrinsic rate of increase ( r ) was lowest at 17°C (0.027 ± 0.004 days ⁻¹ ) and highest at 25°C (0.106 ± 0.003 days ⁻¹ ).

The highest net reproductive rate ( R ₀ ) was observed at 20°C (341.59 ± 41.18 offspring/individual), while the shortest generation time ( T ) occurred at 32°C (30.41 ± 0.62 days).

The temperature requirements of this pest were estimated using two linear regression models and 17 nonlinear regression models. Among the linear models, the Ikemoto & Takai model demonstrated higher accuracy, as indicated by a higher R ² value.

Among the nonlinear models, the Bieri 1 model was identified as the most suitable for describing the pre‐adult developmental period, based on statistical fit and accurate estimation of biological parameters.

The findings of this study provided an empirical foundation for the development of integrated management programs for the elm leaf beetle.