Objective  Effects of short-term high-temperature exposure on the growth, development, and reproduction of Herpetogramma basalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) were studied for a potential biocontrol application.

  Method  The 1^st instar larvae of the insects were treated at 35℃ or 40℃ for 2 h, 4 h, 8 h or 16 h to determine the rates of larval survival, pupation, and emergence as well as the pupal weight, developmental duration, and female fecundity of the following generations.

  Result  The development and reproduction of H. basalis were affected in varying degrees under the treatments. The larval survival rate decreased significantly after the exposure, e.g., from 65.83% in the 1^st instar to 28.33% in the 5^th instar under 35℃/16 h. The pupation and emergence rates were hardly affected. On the other hand, when treated for 16 h, the larval development took 0.90d at 35℃, and 1.74 d at 40℃, longer than control. The pupal period was not affected, but the adult lifespan shortened by one day after a 35℃ or 40℃ exposure for 8 h or 16 h. The average individual pupal weight decreased slightly after 8 h or 16 h of the exposures. The fecundity of female adults reached its lowest level after being exposed to either of the two temperatures for 16 h, which did not significantly alter the egg hatching rate.

  Conclusion  Depending upon the severity and duration, the short-term high-temperature exposure mainly decreased the survival rate and inhibited the development of H. basalis. The moth could complete its normal development even at a relatively high temperature and maintain the population continuity, which benefits biocontrol. Nonetheless, due likely to the summer heat, the larval mortality rose and population of H. basalis declined in the season.