Advances in dynamic energy budget modeling of terrestrial arthropods by considering different timing of reproductive investment

• Dynamic energy budget models were parametrized for non-target arthropods. • A new dynamic energy budget model structure for synovigenic insects is proposed. • The new model structure combines elements from existing predefined model variants. • The new model structure accounts for a preoviposition phase after adult emergence. • The new model structure accounts for reproductive investment after adult emergence. • A stand-alone parasitization submodel for a parasitoid wasp was developed. Linking Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) models with toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (TKTD) modules allows for an integrated mechanistic interpretation of lethal and sublethal effects of a species exposed to a toxicant, which has been proposed as a refinement option in the chronic risk assessment of pesticides. Yet, terrestrial non-target arthropods (NTAs) are an underrepresented group when it comes to readily available DEB models in the Add-my-Pet (AmP) portal. One reason for this is that many insect species have complex life cycles, particularly with regard to the acquisition and turnover of reproductive energy, that cannot be adequately represented by existing predefined DEB model variants. In this study we attempted to parametrize DEB models for four regulatory relevant NTAs, the predatory mite Typhlodromus pyri , the parasitic wasp Aphidius rhopalosiphi , the seven-spot ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata , and the green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea with data obtained from open literature and additional laboratory experiments. While parametrization of T. pyri was not possible due to a lack of essential calibration data, the other species could be successfully parametrized through appropriate model adaptations. The life cycle of A. rhopalosiphi could be accurately modeled with the hax model variant, a predefined DEB model for holometabolous insects, which assumes that energetic investment in reproduction mainly takes place during the larval phase. A parasitization module was added to this model allowing to simulate the parasitization rate of A. rhopalosiphi depending on several known influencing factors: the initial reproduction buffer size, host density, host type, temperature, and timing during the reproductive phase. For both C. septempunctata and C. carnea , a new model variant was developed which, in contrast to the existing models for holometabolous insects, assumes that the energetic investment in the formation of eggs takes place mainly after the emergence of the imago. We propose this new model variant as a template for other terrestrial insect species with life-history strategies similar to C. septempunctata and C. carnea . Due to the good representation of the calibration data and a well struck balance between model accuracy and model complexity, we consider all three models suitable for use in DEB-TKTD modeling for regulatory purposes.