Development duration was measured for the spotted sugarcane stalk borer, Chilo sacchariphagus, under laboratory conditions at constant temperatures of 15°C, 17°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C and 35°C. Degree days (°D) and temperature thresholds, were determined: egg to adult 872°D, eggs 114°D above 13,1°C, larvae 586°D above 12,7°C and pupa 172°D above 13°C. Development times were validated with field data. The highest proportion of mated females, 74% at 25°C, was obtained with a male to female ratio of 2:1. No moths mated below 15°C. At lower and upper temperatures tested mating success, fecundity and longevity were adversely affected. Females laid 254 eggs on average under laboratory conditions at 25°C. The implications of these results are discussed with regard to the ecology, distribution, and control of this sugarcane pest.