Effects of a Short‐Term Heat Stress on the Performance of <scp> <i>Scolothrips longicornis</i> </scp> (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

ABSTRACT Short‐term exposure to extreme temperatures can affect the performance of biological control agents, yet its effects on predatory thrips remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the impact of brief heat stress on the development, survival, reproduction, and life table parameters of Scolothrips longicornis , an important predator of Tetranychus urticae . Eggs were exposed to 36°C, 38°C, 40°C, and 42°C for 4 h, while newly emerged adults were exposed to 36°C–40°C for the same duration, followed by rearing under optimal conditions. Developmental rate and population parameters were analysed using age‐stage, two‐sex life table methods. Exposure of eggs to 42°C prevented hatching. Increasing temperatures significantly reduced adult longevity, oviposition period, fecundity, and key population growth parameters, including intrinsic rate of increase and net reproductive rates. Developmental time was largely unaffected, but reproductive performance declined markedly with heat stress. The results demonstrate that even short‐term heat stress negatively influences the population growth potential of S. longicornis , indicating that high‐temperature exposure may limit its effectiveness as a biological control agent under warming conditions.