Abstract
Anystis agilis is a general predator in Napa Valley vineyards. Laboratory studies revealed development time to the adult stadium averaged 48.9 days, and females laid 1–3 egg clusters which averaged 23.4 ova/cluster. D-vac field samples indicate at least 2 generations/year in Napa Valley vineyards (overwintering habits remain unclear) with densities averaging ca. one individual/100 leaves in June. Prey searching occurs along leaf veins and edges with feeding initiated after tactile contact. Feeding on grape exudate in the field was observed. In the laboratory, adult A. agilis consumed an average of ca. 39 adult female Tetranychus urticae or 6 nymphal Erythroncura elegantula per day. Dietary effects of these species, concerning phenotype, behavior, longevity and fecundity of A. agilis are described. The use of A. agilis as a biological control agent against spider mites is concluded to be unfeasible. It is considered, however, an important predator of E. elegantula in vineyards.
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