Microsoft Word - 1511001324.docx

ain objective of the contribution is the introduction of a simplified mathematical approach that describes the progression of larval growth in hemimetabolous insects. The model is founded on a distinction between hormonal growth rate (Wh) and intrinsic growth rate (Wi), the latter of which includes the increase of larval size due to food consumption. In addition, any dependence of these growth rates on environmental temperature is considered. Evaluation of model validity was conducted by using experimental growth data that were determined for larvae of the two cricket species Teleogryllus commodus Walker 1869 and Acheta domesticus (L., 1758). Correspondence between theoretical and practical results varied according to the species and temperature regarded, with Pearson’s correlation coefficients adopting values between 0.97 and 0.99. Insect growth models may help to obtain a better understanding of the life cycles of such organisms, which is of high essence for targeted pest control and effective rearing of food animals.