Effect of temperature on life history of predatory mite Amblyseius californicus (Acari : Phytoseiidae)‎ associated with the scale Aulacaspis tubercularis (Hemiptera : Diaspididae)‎ infesting mango

Abstract EN

Amblyseius californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a beneficial predatory mite endemic to the Eastern Mediterranean region.

This species is considered a generalist predatorand readily consumes small soft-bodied pest species as well as pollen or plant exudates.

Amblyseius has attracted substantial interest as a biological control agent of mites, thrips and whiteflies in greenhouse and nursery crops.

The present studies were conducted to study the effect of temperatures on development and food consumption of Amblyseius californicus (McGregor) feed on the scale Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) under constant temperatures.

The results showed that the developmental period increased with temperature decrease.

Fecundity, longevity and lifespan were longer at 25°C and lower at 27°C.

Feeding capacities were increased with increasing temperature from 22°C to 25°C and then decreased at 27°C.

The highest means of total prey consumption of females were recorded during oviposition, when they devoured an average of 103.0, 189.3, 109.0 and 79.0 prey at 20, 25, 30, and 35°C, respectively.

The highest values of the mean prey consumption by postoviposited females was observed at 25°C (108.42 preys) followed by 27°C (76.61 preys), respectively.