Development and reproduction of the predacious mite, Amblyseius cydnodactylon on different prey species; effect of plant leaf texture on the behaviour and reproduction of the predator.

Abstract

The predacious mite, Amblyseius cydnodactylon Shehata & Zaher, fed on different stages of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, the eriophyid mites, Aceria ficus Cotte and Eriophyes dioscoridis Soliman & Abou-Awad, 2 nd nymphal stage of the tobacco white fly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) and nymphs of the cotton thrips, Thrips tabaci (Lind.). A. cydnodactylon successfully developed when fed on eggs, nymphs and adults of T urticae. The minimum developmental durations and maximum reproduction were recorded on the prey nymphs, while the longest periods without reproduction were on the prey eggs. Predatory larvae devoured eggs, but developed to protonymphs without feeding on the other prey stages. The predator consumed the highest number when confined on eggs and the lowest number on adults and the consumption increased as the development progressed. A. cydnodactylon was also able to develop and reproduce when fed on other different prey species. The shortest durations and minimum reproduction were on B. tabaci, while the reverse occurred on T. tabaci. The predator was most voracious on A. ficus and least on T. tabaci. A. cydnodactylon successfully developed and reproduced on leaves of pepper, orange, mulberry, clover, tomato and eggplant indicating a minor effect of leaf surface on its behaviour. Pepper leaf was the most appropriate surface as individuals induced the shortest generation period and the highest reproduction. However, eggplant leaf was the least suitable surface in these respects.