The life cycle of Oromurcia sudetica, a dominant species in meadows at the timberline in the Tyrolean Central Alps (Austria), was investigated in the laboratory. Seasonal and daily fluctuations of soil temperature were simulated in climate chambers using fortnightly means of daily maxima and minima. The development from egg to adult takes a minimum of two years, but can last .up to four years. The observed life span of the adults is one to two years. The results found in the laboratory agree with the observed field data. Such long life cycles are often found under extreme conditions as in the high mountains with low temperatures and short vegetation growing periods.