Impact of Temperature Variation on the Biological Traits and Lifecycle of Spodoptera exigua(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): A Meta-Analysis Approach

<i>Spodoptera exigua</i> is a significant pest of crops, but its ability to adapt to new climates remains poorly understood. This study investigates how temperature, light cycle, and humidity affect the beet armyworm’s life cycle. By analyzing 264 data points from 33 published studies, we found that warmer temperatures, particularly above 20°C, significantly enhance the beet armyworm's physiological functions. As temperatures increase, the developmental stages shorten, egg-laying decreases, and the pupal stage shortens, which leads to longer adult lifespan. The study identified the optimal environmental conditions for each life stage of the beet armyworm, providing crucial insights into its adaptability in changing climates. These findings are important for predicting beet armyworm population dynamics and developing better pest management strategies.