The morphology and life history of Mylabris phalerata Pallas (Coleoptera: Meloidae) were observed. The effect of temperature on the duration of immature stages of M. phalerata reared at 18, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34°C was determined. The adaptable temperature for artificial mass rearing was ≥28°C. Lower developmental thresholds were estimated to be 6.38, 6.29, 7.72, 7.08, 5.25, 17.62, and 5.58°C for egg, larval instars L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and pupa, respectively, and the thermal constant was 1,715.59 degree-days for total immature stages, using the linear model. Based on the developmental cycle of M. phalerata, its known geographic distribution, and temperature data, diapause is attributed to the overwintering fifth-instar larva.