Abstract
We investigated potential prey preference of the mass-produced generalist predator Mallada basalis (Walker) when offered two mites, Tetranychus kanzawai Kishida and Panonychus citri (McGregor), both important pests on papaya. Laboratory choice tests revealed that none of the three larval instars of M. basalis showed a preference for either species of mite or discriminated among the four mite life stages. Direct observations also showed that lacewing larvae mostly consumed whichever mite was encountered. Previous feeding experience on one mite species did not influence subsequent prey choice when lacewings were presented with both mite species. High acceptability of all life stages of both mite pests suggests that mass-produced M. basalis has potential as an effective biological control agent for T. kanzawai and P. citri when the two mites occur simultaneously or sequentially in papaya plantations.
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