Biological Aspects and Life Table Parameters of the Predatory Mite, Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski& Amitai) Reared on Different Diets

Abstract

Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski & Amitai), (Family Phytosidae), is a predaceous mite of different mites and insect pests. This study finds different food choices for its mass rearing to enable its use as a biological control agent. The predatory mite C. negevi can feed and complete its life span successfully on these foods. A. kuehniella eggs prolonged the life cycle of C. negevi. while the shortest life span period was observed when males and females fed on eggs of T. urtica. C. negevi females' fecundity was the highest when it fed on pollen. Food sources also affected all life tables where spider mite eggs and pollen grains were the most favorable foods increasing Ro, rm, erm and GRR values. Insect eggs increase T and Dt times of the tested mite C. negevi. Therefore, C. negevi lasted its life span successfully on date palm pollen and eggs of A. kuehniella and T. urticae.