[Objectives]  To investigate the effect of temperature on the development of Scopula subpunctaria and determine the lower threshold temperature and thermal constant of this species. [Methods]  The developmental period of S. subpunctaria was determined under at 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28 and 31 ℃ and the lower threshold temperature and thermal constant of different developmental stages calculated using linear regression. [Results]  Temperature had a significant influence on the developmental duration of each stage (P<0.05), which decreased as temperature increased. The developmental period of eggs-pupae decreased from 105.77 d at 13 ℃ to 29.62 d at 31 ℃. The lower threshold temperatures of eggs, larvae, pre-pupae, pupae and eggs-pupae were 7.51, 7.94, 3.43, 8.73 and 7.95 ℃, respectively, and their thermal constants were 120.92, 276.2, 43.65, 156.99 and 595.24 degree∙days, respectively. At 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28 and 31 ℃, the survival rate of eggs-pupae was 50.31%, 47.21%, 60.27%, 48.30%, 69.77%, 36.96% and 12.67%, respectively. [Conclusion]  The development rate of S. subpunctaria increased with temperature. The survival rate of eggs-pupae was highest at 25 ℃, which was the most suitable temperature for the growth and development of this species. These results provide important information for predicting and preventing the growth of S. subpunctaria populations, and for implementing control measures for this pest in the field.