Studies on the Feeding, Reproduction, and Development of Amblyseius hibisci (Acarina: Phytoseiidae) on Various Food Substances1

Abstract

Test mites of Amblyseius hibisci (Chant) were confined on excised avocado or citrus leaves in the laboratory at 72°–75°F. Adults fed and reproduced readily (oviposition approximately 1 egg per female per day) on the tetranychid mites Panonychus citri (McGregor), Oliyonychus punicae (Hirst), and Eotetranychus sexmaculatus (Riley), but reproduction was low (0.37 eggs per female per day) and mortality high on Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval). The predators were hindered by, and often trapped in, the copious webbing network produced by T. cinnabarinus. The citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead), also was fed upon but little reproduction occurred. Calvolia lordi (Nesbitt) (Saproglyphidae), 2 species of Tydeidae, and Cheletomimus berlesei (Oudemans) were not favorable prey species. Reproduction and development of A. hibisci occurred readily on pollen from various plant species, especially Persea americana, Ricinus communis, Capsicum frutescens, Zea mays, Mesembryanthemum, and Quercus. Developmental period was shorter and reproductive rate higher than on tetranychid mite prey. The preoviposition period for individuals developing on pollen was almost invariably 2 days, but was 2–6 days for individuals developing on mite prey. When both mite prey and pollen were available, both were fed upon with no distinct preference being evident. Mealybug honeydew without other food furnished adults sufficient nutrition for a low rate of reproduction and prolonged survival. Honeydew plus mite prey and honeydew plus pollen, respectively, stimulated a higher rate of reproduction than mite prey alone and pollen alone. Individuals developing on mite prey with honeydew had a shorter average preoviposition period than those developing on mite prey only. The possible significance of these responses is discussed in relation to population trends observed in the field.