Ecological life table of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera : Gelechiidae)

An ecological life table was constructed, aiming to determine the critical stages and key mortality factors of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae ). The total population mortality of this tomato leafminer was 92.3%. Durin g the egg stage the mortality was 58.7%, mainly due to egg inviability. A t otal of 8.6% egg parasitism by Trichogramma pretiosum (Riley) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) and 5.0% egg predation by Xylocoris sp. (Heteroptera: A nthocoridae), Cycloneda sanguinea (L.) (Coleoptera. Coccinellidae) and memb ers of the family Phlaeothripidae (Thysanoptera) was observed. The mortalit y of the larval stage,vas 33.0%. This was considered to be the critical sta ge as it showed the highest apparent mortality (79.8%). Larval parasitism w as low (0.1%), and,vas only found with Goniozus nigrifemur Ashmead (Hymenop tera: Bethylidae). Predators were responsible for 79.4% of lar val mortalit y. Therefore, their attraction to and maintenance in the target area are im portant management tactics to be considered for T. absoluta control. The fi rst and second instars were considered to be the most critical, and predati on by the above mentioned species was the key mortality factor. The mortali ty at the pupal stage was low (0.6%) and was due to malformation.