Optimal conditions for rearing the tadpole shrimp, Triops longicaudatus (Notostraca:Triopsidae), a biological control agent against mosquitoes.

Tadpole shrimp (TPS) were reared at 15, 20, 25, and 30 degrees C in the laboratory. Size of TPS was temperature and age dependent with more rapid development at warmer temperatures. Survivorship was inversely related to rearing temperature. Mean age at death was 24.2, 19.2, 14.3, and 11.8 days at 15, 20, 25, and 30 degrees C, respectively. Rearing temperature (excluding 15 degrees C) did not affect lifetime fecundity, but larger TPS laid more eggs than smaller ones. Tadpole shrimp began ovipositing earlier at higher temperatures, and at a smaller size than their counterparts in lower temperatures. Mean age at reproductive maturity was 18.8, 13.1, and 10.2 days and mean carapace length was 10.8, 11.0, and 10.3 at 20, 25, and 30 degrees C, respectively. Embryogenesis required a minimum of 3 days for completion. Hatching rates during the first hydration decreased with increasing egg batch number produced by individuals, ranging from a mean of 74% for the first batch to 31% for the 5th batch. Cumulative hatching rates of eggs after 2 hydrations were consistent across temperatures and egg batches (79 +/- 2%).