THE INFLUENCE OF HUMIDITY ON THE ACTIVITY OF PHYTOSEIULUS PERSIMILIS ATHIAS-HENRIOT AND ITS PREY, TETRANYCHUS URTICAE (C. L. KOCH) (ACARINA: PHYTOSEIIDAE, TETRANYCHIDAE)

Abstract

The activity of the predacious mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot and its prey, Tetranychus urticae (Koch), was studied at several humidity levels. The prey, but not the predator, continuously avoided high humidities. Both species were more active in low humidities than in high. Water available for drinking was important to the survival of P. persimilis.