Development and reproduction of three predatory mites (Acari: Laelapidae and Rhodacaridae) on eggs of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract

The laelapid mites Cosmolaelaps keni and Laelaspis astronomicus beside the rhodacarid mite Protogamasellopsis denticus are biological control agents and being native predators in Egypt. In order to raise active population of above species, the biology and demographic parameters, of the three tested species were observed under laboratory conditions with eggs of Ephestia kuhniella. All predatory species were developed and reproduced with E. kuhniella eggs. The mean developmental and oviposistion periods of L. astronomicus females were the longest from the other tested species. The mean longevity of C. keni was longer than that of P. denticus. Cosmolaelaps keni consumed more E. kuhniella eggs during the oviposition and adult longevity periods than other species did. Protogamasellopsis denticus fed on E. kuhniella food gave the most rate of oviposition as shown by the maximum fertility, net reproductive rate and gross reproductive rate. Laelaspis astronomicus preying on E. kuhniella eggs gave the longest generation time, lowest rate of fecundity and all life table parameters compared to other tested species; therefore E. kuhniella eggs was appropriate for the oviposition of P. denticus and C. keni rather than L. astronomicus.This study is the first to report that E. kuhniella eggs were an acceptable factitious food for P. denticus, L. astronomicus and C. keni.

Development, reproduction and survival Protogamasellopsis rhizoglyphusi and Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (Mesostigmata: Rhodacaridae, Laelapidae) feeding on two astigmatine mite prey and notes on the behavior of P. rhizoglyphusi</p >

“…The larval stage P. rhizoglyphusi , was the shortest among other species. But larval stage observed in this study is similar to P. zaheri feeding on eggs of soybean cyst nematode (Rossini 2022; Hassan 2017; Castilho et al . 2009).…”

“…The larval stage P. rhizoglyphusi, was the shortest among other species. But larval stage observed in this study is similar to P. zaheri feeding on eggs of soybean cyst nematode (Rossini 2022;Hassan 2017;Castilho et al 2009). Prey has been found to have an impact on the development of numerous mites in previous studies (Kasuga et al 2006, Ydergaard et al 1997, Barker 1969.…”

“…The oviposition period of G. aculeifer was different between 19 and 41 days, with the shortest feeding on C. lactis (18.97) and the longest feeding on L. auripila (41.6). The oviposition period was shortest for the other species (17.6 vs. 20.5, 25.0 and 27.4 at P. zaheri, P. denticus, and P. posna.niensis, respectively) (Park et al 2021;Asefpour et al 2018;Amin et al 2014;Kasuga et al 2006;Rossini 2022;Hassan 2017;Castilho et al, 2009). The oviposition period of G. aculeifer was different between 19 and 41 days, with the shortest period being when feeding on C. lactis (19) and the longest period being when feeding on L. auripila (41.6).…”

“…The mean development time before adulthood of P. rhizoglyphusi females was significantly longer than that of P. posnaniensis (8.6 days) and P. denticus (6.94 days). However, the preadult P. rhizoglyphusi female was the same P. zaheri feeding on eggs of soybean cyst nematodes (Rossini et al 2022;Hassan et al 2017;Castilho et al 2009). The pre-oviposition period was very short.…”

“…However, the preadult P. rhizoglyphusi female was the same P. zaheri feeding on eggs of soybean cyst nematodes (Rossini et al . 2022; Hassan et al . 2017; Castilho et al .…”