Effect of temperature on development and survival of<i>Amblyseius victoriensis</i>(Womersley) (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The effect of temperature on the rate of development of Amblyseius victoriensis (Womersley) was determined by rearing individuals under a range of constant temperatures between 20 – 45°C. Rates of development changed in a linear fashion from 20 – 30°C for eggs and 20 – 35°C for egg to adult. Lower developmental thresholds and degree days (DD) required for development were estimated for eggs (15.0°C, 23.4 DD), larvae and nymphs (9.3°C, 60.3 DD) and egg-adult (10.3°C, 93.1 DD). The upper developmental threshold for egg-adult was estimated to be 35°C. Survival of developing mites was 82% at all temperatures except 40°C (57%). No development occurred at 42.5°C. An estimated 20 generations of A. victoriensis are possible during spring-summer-autumn in southern New South Wales.