【Background】 The fruit flyBactrocera (Zeugodacus) tau (Walker) is an important quarantine pest worldwide. The species occurs in many provinces and cities in China, causing serious economic losses to crops. 【Method】 The B.(Z.) taupopulations were artificially reared at seven constant temperatures (10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30 and 34 ℃). The developmental durations of eggs, larvae and pupae were recorded, and the developmental threshold temperature and effective accumulated temperatures were calculated. 【Result】The developmental threshold temperature of eggs, larvae, pupae and the whole generation was 7.36, 2.43, 7.64 and 7.64 ℃ respectively, and the effective accumulated temperature was 20.21, 187.69, 156.65 and 364.55 DD (degreedays), respectively. At 34 ℃, the developmental duration of eggs was relatively long, and the no flies emerged from pupae. 【Conclusion and significance】 In the range of 10~30 ℃, the developmental duration of eggs, larvae and pupae were shortened by increasing temperature, with a positive liner relationship between developmental rate and temperature within this range. At 26 and 30 ℃, the developmental durations were significantly shorter than that at other temperatures. The results provide a scientific basis for understanding the developmental temperature limits of B.(Z.) tau, studing on the adaptability and quarantine measures of the pest.