Data from: Temperature modulates feeding attributes, biochemical assimilation of macronutrients and rate of development in larvae of Parthenium beetles

The present study assessed the feeding efficiency, macronutrient
assimilation, and larval development of the Parthenium beetle, Zygogramma
bicolorata Pallister, a biocontrol agent for the invasive Parthenium weed,
under varying temperature conditions. We hypothesized that deviations from
the optimal temperature (~25°C) would impair larval feeding efficiency due
to temperature-induced stress. Our results revealed that both larval
consumption and growth rates declined at temperatures below (15°C, 20°C)
and above (30°C) the optimal temperature (25°C). In contrast, food
conversion efficiency improved as temperatures increased from 15°C to
30°C. Protein assimilation by larvae decreased across the temperature
range, while glucose assimilation increased. Triglyceride assimilation
initially decreased from 15°C to 20°C/25°C but increased from 20°C/25°C to
30°C. As temperatures increased from 15°C to 30°C, both the body size and
developmental durations of larvae decreased. These findings suggest that
Z. bicolorata larvae adopt different survival strategies depending on
temperature conditions. At suboptimal temperatures, larvae grow larger,
assimilate more proteins and triglycerides, but consume and utilize food
more slowly. Conversely, at supraoptimal temperatures, larvae exhibit
reduced body size and food consumption rates, but their food utilization
efficiency improves, leading to faster development. Therefore, both low
and high temperatures could limit the biocontrol efficiency of Z.
bicolorata larvae in the Indian subcontinent.