Parasitization of the Black Carpet Beetle by the Straw Itch Mite123

Abstract

The straw itch mite, Pyemotes ventricosus (Newport), parasitized larvae, pupae, and adults of the black carpet beetle, Attagenus megatoma (F.). Attached parasites were most numerous on pupae (mean, 40), fewer on 4- and 9-month larvae (mean, II) and fewer still on 2-month larvae (mean, 6). Rate of attachment was related to body weight and available body surface of the host. Average time of development and emergence of progeny of mother mites attached to pupae was 9.1 days for males and 9.9 days for females. Generally, 2 ♂ and 8 ♀ offspring were produced per mother mite. Responses of hosts to attack and paralysis by the straw itch mite are noted.