Impact of two eriophyoid fig mites, Aceria ficus and Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae, as prey on postembryonic development and oviposition rate of the predacious mite Amblyseius swirskii

Abstract

The predator Amblyseius swirskii completed development when fed on individuals of Aceria ficus and Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae, in the laboratory at 29C and 70-80% RH. The fastest development and greatest consumption of prey was observed when A. ficus was used as prey. Life table values showed that A. swirskii preferred A. ficus to R. ficifoliae as prey. The intrinsic rate of increase was 0.155 individuals/female per day with A. ficus and 0.122 individuals/female per day with R. ficifoliae.