Predation of <i>Cheyletus malaccensis</i> (Acari: Cheyletidae) on <i>Megoura japonica</i> (Hemiptera: Aphididae) under five different temperatures

Abstract

Functional response of four stages (female, male, nymphs and larvae) of Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans on Megoura japonica Matsumura nymph was examined at five constant temperatures (16, 20, 24, 28 and 32°C) and 75% relative humidity (RH). The results showed that the predation functional response of C. malaccensis on M. japonica was in accordance with the Holling II equation. Within the experimental temperature ranges, the control capacity (a/Th) of C. malaccensis at each stage on M. japonica increased along with the temperature, reaching its peak at 28°C. The predatory capacity of female was the highest, followed by male, while that of the larvae was the lowest. Under the conditions of fixed density of prey, the average predation gradually decreased as the density of the predators increased due to mutual competition and interference among the C. malaccensis population. The experimental results demonstrated that C. malaccensis preferred the larvae of M. japonica to the adults.