Kampimodromus Aberrans Research Articles

Ambulatory and Aerial Dispersal Among Specialist and Generalist Predatory Mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Predator-prey systems having a specialist predator often are over-exploitive, unstable and transient while similar systems having a generalist predator show less fluctuation, more stability and regulation of prey at lower densities. These population dynamics also affect dispersal patterns between specialist and generalist predators. In this study, ambulatory and aerial dispersal were assessed for five predaceous phytoseiid mites having different degrees of predation specialization: Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, Specialist I; Neoseiulus fallacis (Garman) Specialist II; N. californicus Chant, Specialist II/Generalist III; Kampimodromus aberrans (Oudemans), Generalist III; and Euseius finlandicus (Oudemans), Generalist IV. In general, specialist species had more walking activity and aerial dispersal than generalist species. Somewhat different dispersal strategies were seen between N. fallacis and N. californicus. Dispersal from a prey (twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch) patch was earlier for the more generalized N. californicus, and N. fallacis (more specialized phytoseiid) remained without dispersing until almost all prey were eliminated. Both dispersed aerially at similar rates. In general, cues from spider mite infestations decreased dispersal of specialist phytoseiids, but either acted to increase or not affect dispersal of generalist feeding phytoseiid species.

CURRENT STATUS OF HAZELNUT MITES IN TURKEY

The hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) agroecosystem includes several groups of harmful and beneficial organisms. This paper lists the mite species that have been recorded on hazelnut in Turkey, based on the collections of the authors as well as bibliographical sources, and gives the distribution and economic importance of each species. Forty-five mite species belonging to 20 families were found. The most common and important pest was Phytoptus avellanae Nal., present as both .gall. and .vagrant. forms. Cecidophyopsis vermiformis (Nal.) was also common in hazelnut orchards but has less economic impact than P. avellanae. Tetranycopsis horridus (Can. &Fanz.) was also important, but only on a local scale. Minor pests, widespread but not important, included Aculus comatus (Nal.), Tegonotus depressus Nal., Coptophylla lamimani (Keifer), Anthocoptes loricatus Nal., Eotetranychus coryli (Reck) and Tetranychus sp. The beneficial mite fauna was also rich, including 23 species of predatory mites, the most common of which was Kampimodromus aberrans (Oud.). Additionally, Czenspinskia transversostriata (Oud.) and Tarsonemus stammeri Schaarschmidt are reported for the first time in Turkey.

Distribution of Phytoseiid Mites (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae) on Hazelnut at Two Different Altitudes in Sicily (Italy)

Phytoseiid mites associated with hazelnut in Sicily were sampled during 1991–1993. Two orchards at two different altitudes (500 and 1,000 m above sea level) were taken into account. No chemicals had been applied in the two fields for at least 7 yr and the agricultural practices were limited (spring tillage and removal of dead branches). Thirteen species, out of a total of 19, were collected at the lower altitude and 14 at the higher; eight of these species [ Kampimodromus aberrans (Oudemans), Typhlodromus intercalaris Livshitz & Kuznetsov, Amblydromella crypta (Athias-Henriot), Typhlodromus rhenanoides Athias-Henriot, Amblyseius andersoni (Chant), Euseius stipulatus (Athias-Henriot), Paraseiulus erevanicus Wainstein & Arutunjan, Phytoseius finitimus Ribaga sensu Denmark] were common to both fields. As far as the distribution of phytoseiids was concerned, we took into consideration their presence on three different sites of the plants: trunk, low branches, and high branches. On the whole the population of phytoseiid mites was uniformly distributed on the plant from October through April, although as far as the single species were concerned, some were uniformly distributed on the plant and some showed a preference toward a particular part of the plant. K. aberrans showed a preference toward high and low branches at 1,000 m above sea level (asl), whereas T. intercalaris showed such a preference in both sites. However, at 500 m asl, A. crypta preferred the trunk, whereas T. rhenanoides was uniformely distributed on the plant in both sites.

Colonization of vineyards by phytoseiid mites: their dispersal patterns in the plot and their fate.

The effect of wind and woody margins on the dispersal and population dynamics of phytoseiid mites was studied in a vine plot for a period of two years. Mites were sampled in the plot and in the surrounding vegetation (crops and natural vegetation) in order to determine phytoseiid mite abundance. The surrounding vegetation was considered to be a reservoir of phytoseiids from where the vine plot could be invaded. Directional and non-directional soil and aerial traps were placed in the plot to determine predatory mite exchange between the two areas. Colonization of the plot occurred in two stages: first, mite migration into the plot, followed by their establishment. The two-year study partially clarified the first of these two stages. Kampimodromus aberrans was the main species caught in the aerial traps. Phytoseiid mite dispersal within the vine plot seemed to be affected by both wind (direction, intensity and regularity) and phytoseiid mite density in the woody margin. However, the woody margin had a large effect only over a short distance. Some observations pointed towards an effect of other reservoir areas but it was not possible to characterize these. The population density of the phytoseiid mites in the plot increased from 1996 to 1998, but these increases are much smaller than one would expect on the basis of the number of mites migrating by air in the plot. Moreover, blocks where most mites were trapped were not the blocks where densities of phytoseiid mites on vine leaves were the largest. It therefore seems likely that not all migrants were able to develop. Their settlement pattern was not determined and this could constitute a potential research focus for the future.

Cannibalism and intraguild predation among phytoseiid mites: are aggressiveness and prey preference related to diet specialization?

We tested whether specialist and generalist phytoseiid mites differ in aggressiveness and prey choice in cannibalism and intraguild predation. Specialists tested were Galendromus occidentalis, Neoseiulus longispinosus, Phytoseiulus persimilis, and P. macropilis; generalists tested were Amblyseius andersoni, Euseius finlandicus, E. hibisci, Kampimodromus aberrans, Neoseiulus barkeri, N. californicus, N. cucumeris, NM fallacis, and Typhlodromus pyri. Aggressiveness of cannibalistic females against larvae was not related to diet specialization except that highly aggressive species were exclusively generalists. Seldom to moderately cannibalizing species occurred in both generalist and specialist phytoseiids. In contrast to aggressiveness in cannibalism, generalists and specialists differed in aggressiveness in intraguild predation. Adult females of specialists were only slightly aggressive against heterospecific larvae, whereas adult females of all generalists except T. pyri were highly aggressive. Adult females of generalists were able to discriminate between con- and heterospecific larvae and preferentially consumed the latter when given a choice. Adult females of specialists except G. occidentalis showed no preference when given a choice between con- and heterospecific larvae. We conclude that aggressiveness in intraguild predation, species recognition and subsequent preferential consumption of heterospecifics when given a choice is common in generalist but not specialist phytoseiids. We discuss the evolutionary pathways that might have led to the difference between specialists and generalists in species discrimination.

Predation on and Discrimination Between Con- and Heterospecific Eggs Among Specialist and Generalist Phytoseiid Mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

We studied predation on and discrimination between con- and heterospecific eggs among adult females and immatures of 13 phytoseiid mite species of different feeding types. Species ranged from specialized predators that feed on densely webbing spider mites (specialists) to polyphagous predators that feed on various kinds of animal and nonanimal food (generalists). Four of 9 generalists, including Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor), Amblyseius andersoni Chant, Neoseiulus fallacis (Garman), and Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans), fed on phytoseiid eggs and preferred heterospecifics versus conspecifics. Their immatures completed development and adult females sustained oviposition by feeding exclusively on phytoseiid eggs, mainly heterospecifics. Also, 2 of 4 specialists, including Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbitt) and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, accepted phytoseiid eggs as prey but did not discriminate eggs of their own from those of other species. P. persimilis and G. occidentalis suffered high juvenile mortality, and oviposition was negligible when they fed on phytoseiid eggs. Among species that fed on greater than or equal to 1 egg per female per day, generalists showed higher predation rates on heterospecific eggs than did specialists; on conspecific eggs, the results were reversed. Euseius finlandicus (Oudemans), Neoseiulus longispinosus (Evans), Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks), Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes), Euseius hibisci (Chant), Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten, and Kampimodromus aberrans (Oudemans) were less attracted to phytoseiid eggs as food.

Activity, Feeding, and Development Among Larvae of Specialist and Generalist Phytoseiid Mite Species (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Feeding, development, activity, and other behaviors were assessed among larvae of 13 representative specialist and generalist phytoseiid mite species. Larval feeding types were not associated with degree of specialization. Obligatory-, facultative-, and nonfeeding larvae occurred in highly selective predators as well as in polyphages. Larvae of Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, P. macropilis (Banks), Kampimodromus aberrans Oudemans, Neoseiulus longispinosus (Evans), N. cucumeris (Oudemans), N. barkeri Hughes, and Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten are nonfeeders; larvae of N. fallacis (Garman), N. californicus (McGregor), and Amblyseius andersoni Chant are facultative feeders; and larvae of Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbitt), Euseius finlandicus (Oudemans), and E. hibisci (Chant) are obligatory feeders. Nonfeeding P. persimilis, P. macropilis, and K. aberrans larvae developed fastest. Obligatory-feeding E. finlandicus and E. hibisci larvae developed slowest. With food, larvae of most species rested after some initial activity, whereas obligatory-feeding larvae of both Euseius species frequently moved throughout the stage. Without food, obligatory-feeding larvae and facultative-feeding N. fallacis larvae were most active. Regardless of larval feeding type, larvae without food walked more and developed slower than those with food. Jerking was defined as an avoidance response and was most frequent in N. fallacis larvae but absent in larvae of K. aberrans and N. barkeri and obligatory-feeding larvae. Profiles of larval traits are provided for each species. Factors leading to specific larval life histories and taxonomic associations of larval feeding types are discussed.

Juvenile survival and development in Euseius finlandicus, Typhlodromus pyri and Kampimodromus aberrans (Acari: Phytoseiidae) feeding on con- and heterospecific immatures

Juvenile survival and development in Euseius finlandicus (Oudemans), Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten and Kampimodromus aberrans (Oudemans) feeding on con- and heterospecific phytoseiid immatures were investigated in the laboratory at 25 ± 1 °C and 65 ± 5% RH. More than 50% of T. pyri protonymphs preying on larvae of K. aberrans or E. finlandicus reached the adult stage. The mean developmental time of T. pyri from the protonymphal stage to adulthood was 6.3 days when feeding on K. aberrans and 7.5 days when feeding on E. finlandicus. The majority (approximately 90%) of K. aberrans protonymphs feeding on larvae of T. pyri or E. finlandicus died before reaching the deutonymphal stage; in both cases only one individual completed juvenile development. Euseius finlandicus larvae require food to reach the subsequent life stage, in contrast to larvae of T. pyri and K. aberrans, which usually do not feed at all: 10% of E. finlandicus immatures feeding on larvae of K. aberrans or T. pyri completed juvenile development (mean developmental time from larva to adult 7.0 and 6.7 days, respectively). Cannibalizing immatures of T. pyri and K. aberrans were able to reach adulthood, whereas those of E. finlandicus were not. Unfed immatures of T. pyri lived longer than the corresponding stages of E. finlandicus and K. aberrans. The present study indicates that phytoseiid immatures are suitable prey for developing stages of polyphagous phytoseiids. Since E. finlandicus, T. pyri and K. aberrans partly inhabit the same plant species, their immatures can be regarded as potential prey for competitive phytoseiids in times of food scarcity.

Mite population dynamics on different grape varieties with or without phytoseiids released (Acari: Phytoseiidae).

In a three-year study, mite populations were monitored in two vineyards, each having two grape varieties with different leaf hair density. In both vineyards native phytoseiids were present: Amblyseius andersoni in one vineyard, and Phytoseius finitimus in the other. The economically important predators Kampimodromus aberrans and Typhlodromus pyri were released in both vineyards in order to study their efficacy in controlling tetranychids and eriophyids and their persistence during periods of prey scarcity. In both vineyards, relative abundances of the mite species, especially phytoseiids, were found to differ on different varieties in the same vineyard. In the first experiment, A. andersoni reached higher densities and was more persistent on the variety with slightly pubescent leaf under-surface (Merlot). Typhlodromus pyri and K. aberrans releases were successful and the mites became more abundant on the variety with pubescent leaf under-surface (Verduzzo). In the second experiment, P. finitimus was more abundant on a variety with pubescent leaf under-surface (Prosecco) than with glabrous leaf under-surface (Riesling). The most interesting results of the present study concerned the interactions between native and released predators. In the first vineyard, different results were obtained when releasing T. pyri on the two varieties. On the variety with pubescent leaves, A. andersoni was rapidly displaced by T. pyri, whereas the former species persisted on the other variety throughout the three-year study, apparently becoming dominant during the last season. In contrast to T. pyri, interactions between K. aberrans and A. andersoni in this vineyard did not depend on variety. The results of the experiments carried out in the second vineyard stressed the importance of interspecific competition for phytoseiid releases. Typhlodromus pyri colonization failed on both varieties. Kampimodromus aberrans releases appeared to be more successful on Riesling than on Prosecco; where P. finitimus was more abundant. At the end of the experiments, K. aberrans displaced P. finitimus on both varieties.

Predation Preference of Typhlodromus Pyri and Kampimodromus Aberrans (Acari: Phytoseiidae) When Offered Con- and Heterospecific Immature Life Stages

The predation preference of singly caged adult females and nymphs of Typhlodromus pyri and Kampimodromus aberrans for con- or heterospecific immature stages as prey was tested in the laboratory. Both polyphagous predatory mite species have been previously shown to interact directly through predation on each other. The present study demonstrated that the adult females of T. pyri and K. aberrans are able to discriminate between con- and heterospecific larvae and protonymphs and that they prefer to prey upon heterospecifics when given the choice. Hunger did not reduce the propensity of the females to prefer heterospecifics over conspecifics. For proto-and deutonymphs the trends followed the results obtained with the adult females, but the preference for heterospecifics was not distinct enough to be significant. In competitive situations reciprocal predation may be a crucial mechanism in the interaction of polyphagous phytoseiid species and may contribute significantly to population persistence. The results are discussed with regard to possible associations between the ability to discriminate con- and heterospecifics and the type of feeding specialization (generalists versus specialists).

Population growth and persistence when prey is diminishing in single‐species and two‐species systems of the predatory mites Euseius finlandicus, Typhlodromus pyri and Kampimodromus aberrans

AbstractPopulation growth and persistence of Euseius finlandicus (Oudemans), Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten and Kampimodromus aberrans (Oudemans) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) were studied in single‐species and two‐species systems on apple seedlings primarily infested by Panonychus ulmi Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) in an environmentally controlled greenhouse. During the experiment, the seedlings developed natural infestations by Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), and powdery mildew. Several weeks after the start of the experiment a condition of diminishing prey availability was created by use of hexythiazox treatments. Without heterospecific competitors, T. pyri attained a higher population level than E. finlandicus or K. aberrans when similar amounts of food (spider mites) were available to each. Population growth of T. pyri was decisively favoured by the presence of T. urticae. In the single‐species systems each predatory species persisted to the end of the experiment in spite of diminishing prey. In two‐species systems with T. pyri/E. finlandicus and T. pyri/K. aberrans that were started with the same number of individuals of each species, only T. pyri was left at the end of the experiment. Typhlodromus pyri became more numerous than the other species when prey was abundant (which was in accordance with the results of the single‐species groups) and finally displaced E. finlandicus and K. aberrans towards the end of the experiment. The following factors may have contributed to the dominance of T. pyri: (1) the ability of adult females to survive longer without food than those of E. finlandicus and K. aberrans, (2) the ability to complete juvenile development and to sustain reproduction with phytoseiid prey and (3) an advantage in foraging behaviour over K. aberrans and E. finlandicus at low spider mite levels. Euseius finlandicus predominated in the two‐species system E. finlandicus/K. aberrans, but both species persisted to the end of the experiment.

Survival, development and fecundity in Euseius finlandicus, Typhlodromus pyri and Kampimodromus aberrans (Acari, Phytoseiidae) feeding on the San José scale Quadraspidiotus perniciosus (Coccina, Diaspididae)

Abstract: Studies on juvenile survival, development and reproduction of Euseius finlandicus Oudemans, Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten and Kampimodromus aberrans Oudemans feeding on crawlers of the diaspidid San José scale Quadraspidiotus perniciosus Comstock were conducted in the laboratory at 25 ± 1°C, 65 ± 5% RH and 16 h photoperiod. Immature life stages as well as adult females readily accepted crawlers as prey. All predatory species preying upon scale crawlers were able to complete development and to sustain reproduction during a 10‐day‐period. Immatures of E. finlandicus and K. aberrans had a low juvenile mortality, whereas nearly 50% of T. pyri protonymphs died. Mean development from larva to adult took 5.6 days in E. finlandicus, 13.2 days in K. aberrans and 17.4 days in T. pyri. E. finlandicus had a higher fecundity (0.7 eggs/day/female) than T. pyri (0.5 eggs/female/day) and K. aberrans (0.4 eggs/female/day). However, San José scale crawlers must be considered a suboptimal prey. Its nutritional value is discussed in relation to that of more adequate food sources. Data on development and fecundity are also discussed in relation to other phytoseiid species feeding on armoured scale insects.

The influence of relative humidity on egg hatch in Euseius filandicus, Typhlodromus pyri and Kampimodromus aberrans (Acari, Phytoseiidae)

Abstract: The effects of different relative humidities (50%, 55%, 65%, 75%, 85% and 100% RH) on egg hatch were tested at 25 ± 1°C for three strains of Euseius finlandicus Oudemans, two strains of Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten and two strains of Kampimodromus aberrans Oudemans. At decreasing humidity, egg mortality increased earlier in K. aberrans than in E. finlandicus and T. pyri. E. finlandicus and T. pyri had similar humidity responses. Differences between strains within each species were small. RH50 values (relative humidity at which 50% of eggs hatch) were 50.4%, 52.4% and 53.1% for strains of E. finlandicus, 51.8% and 53.3% for strains of T. pyri, and 55.3% and 57.5% for strains of K. aberrans, respectively. Eggs of the Finnish E. finlandicus strain were most drought resistant (50.4% RH50), eggs of the French K. aberrans strain were most sensitive (57.5% RH50). The results are discussed in relation to the abundance of these species on certain plants and to the humidity responses of other phytoseiids.

Colonization of Languedoc vineyards by phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae): influence of wind and crop environment

A natural increase of phytoseiid mite populations (Kampimodromus aberrans, Typhlodromus pyri and Phytoseius plumifer) was observed in vineyards in Languedoc, Burgundy and Corsica under integrated pest management strategies. The aim of the present study was to characterize the mechanisms of this colonization in space and time in Languedoc. The abundance of phytoseiid mites in the vegetation close to three grape fields was determined twice a year (May and July). Aerial (funnels with water) and soil (felt strip) traps were placed in and around grape fields, in order to assess the colonization potential provided by aerial dispersal and ambulatory locomotion. The populations of phytoseiid mites in the crops were studied twice a month in order to gain information on the make up of the dispersal populations. The species K. aberrans was found in largest quantities in the traps, in the natural vegetation and in the crops. Predatory mite dispersal occurred essentially by aerial dispersal and was dependent on the wind intensity and wind direction. Identical sex ratios were observed in migrant populations and in populations present in the grape fields, woody areas and hedges. A large proportion of immatures was found to move by aerial dispersal. The colonization potential (rapidity, intensity and regularity) was directly associated with the abundance of the phytoseiids and the proximity of natural vegetation. A deep, dense and tall woody area containing suitable host plants for predatory mites constituted the most stable source of phytoseiid mites. Natural colonization of vineyards provides considerable phytoseiid mite potential that could be managed in an agricultural landscape.

Inter- and intraspecific predation on immatures by adult females in Euseius finlandicus, Typhlodromus pyri and Kampimo dromus aberrans (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

In a series of experiments, the interspecific predation and cannibalism on immatures by the adult females of Euseius finlandicus, Kampimodromus aberrans and Typhlodromus pyri were examined under laboratory conditions. The three species showed differing tendencies to prey on each other's motile immature stages. Euseius finlandicus females consumed more larvae and protonymphs than the females of T. pyri and K. aberrans. In cages without free water E. finlandicus ate a range of 6.51 larvae or 5.31 protonymphs of T. pyri and 5.27 larvae or 5.95 protonymphs of K. aberrans per female per day. Kampimodromus aberrans and T. pyri females exhibited a greater tendency to prey on heterospecifics than on conspecifics. When feeding on phytoseiid immatures and without free water, T. pyri females survived longer and laid more eggs than the females of E. finlandicus and K. aberrans. Adult females of E. finlandicus and T. pyri having free water and preying on heterospecific protonymphs were able to maintain egg laying during the whole experimental period of 12 days. The females of all three species had difficulties in piercing phytoseiid eggs, and the number of sucked eggs per female per day was low. Kampimodromus aberrans females ate 0.48 eggs of T. pyri daily, which was the highest recorded number. The great tendency to interspecific predation on motile immature phytoseiids by the females of E. finlandicus is discussed with regard to the dominance of this species on deciduous trees and bushes in Austria.

Dissemination of Kampimodromus aberrans by the Filbert Aphid123

Dissemination of Kampimodromus aberrans by the Filbert Aphid123

Intraspecific Variation in Phytoseiidae (Acarina: Mesostigmata)

One of the more intriguing problems confronting the systematist is intraspecific variation. The ability to distinguish, segregate or associate individual specimens at the species level is largely dependent on the stability of the selected diagnostic characters. When stability is lacking, a knowledge of the range of variability is essential to accurate work. As mite studies have been intensified, it has become increasingly evident that mites exhibit varying degrees of intraspecific variation. In some groups a remarkable stability is found, in others variation seems to be the norm. Interest in the problem is evidenced in discussions presented by Goksu et al. (1960) on Trombiculidae, Newell (1958) on Trombidiidae, Summers (1960) on Stigmaeidae, Wharton (1957) on parasitic Acarina and Yunker (1955) on a species of Knemidokoptes. In the family Phytoseiidae numerous variants have been reported. Seasonal variation of Kampimodromus aberrans (Oud.) as evidenced by degree of sclerotization and spinal length and serration was recorded by Chant (1955). Variation of dorsal scutal reticulation on Amblyseius peregrinus (Muma) was reported by Muma (19,55). DeLeon (1957, 1958, 1959) recorded apparent variation in the number of lateral setae on Clavidromina corna (DeLeon) and C. elliptica (DeLeon) caused by the occurrence of S2 on the dorsal scutum. In 1959 Chant stated Phytoseiid mites show little intraspecific variation and the criteria for specific separation, though appearing to be of minor importance, can usually be used with confidence, but in the same work he cited variation of diagnostic characters for Metaseiulus validus (Chant), Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbitt), Typhlodromella rhenana (Oud.), Dubininellus macropilis (Banks) and D. bakeri (Chant). While synonymizing T. kazachstanicus Wainstein with T. rhenana (Oud.), Chant also stated that Intra-specific variation accounts for the few small differences that seem to be evident. Later Chant and AthiasHenriot (1960) made a detailed presentation of character variation in species of Phytoseius Ribaga and Dubininellus Wainstein. As yet, however, no discussion of the systematic impact of such variations has been presented.