Abstract
Abstract Patch departure decision is influenced by different factors such as progeny prey needs. Here, we tested developmental time, oviposition rate and patch leaving strategies in two phytoseiid predators, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus when their diets consisted of spider mite eggs with and without pollen. Gradual decreasing trend in developmental times was obvious by increasing the number of prey eggs in both predators. Immature P. persimilis and N. californicus needed at least six spider mite eggs to reach adulthood. Predation rates of P. persimilis and N. californicus increased (6 to 24.4 and 6 to 21.9 respectively) with increasing the number of available spider mite eggs from 6 to 25. We recorded no significant differences in the developmental times and oviposition rates neither for P. persimilis nor for N. californicus after adding pollen to the predators' diet. Our experiments showed that both predator species left enough prey for their progeny before leaving patch.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.