Do phytoseiid mites select the best prey species in terms of reproductive success?

Abstract

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Does prey preference change as a result of prey species being presented together? Analysis of prey selection by the predatory mite Typhlodromus pyri (Acarina: Phytoseiidae)

“…Two func-tional arguments would predict the opposite, a preference for apple rust mite: (1) the predator's intrinsic rate of increase is higher when fed apple rust mites exclusively than when fed European red spider mites exclusively (Dicke et al 1989a). (2) Under selective feeding the time needed to find and catch a prey is longer than when both prey species are accepted.…”

“…The amount needed is small: females that feed on a carotenoid source can supply their offspring with enough carotenoids for diapause induction (Van Zon et al 1981). Both P. ulmi and A. schlechtendali may provide the predators with carotenoids ( Van der Geest 1985;Dicke et al 1989a). However, Dicke et al (1989a) observed that these two prey species are not identical in this respect.…”

“…Both P. ulmi and A. schlechtendali may provide the predators with carotenoids ( Van der Geest 1985;Dicke et al 1989a). However, Dicke et al (1989a) observed that these two prey species are not identical in this respect. After transfer of A. potentillae females to a carotenoid-deficient diet, previous feeding on P. ulmi exerted a longer-lasting effect on diapause induction in the offspring than previous feeding on A. schlechtendali.…”

“…This incongruous result may be the consequence of an oversimplistic definition of fitness. Profitability of each prey has been measured only at high prey density, thus representing a measure of potential fitness at such densities (Dicke et al 1989a). The actual availability of prey in the environment is also an important determinant of prey profitability.…”

Pode Euseius alatus DeLeon (Acari: Phytoseiidae) predar Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) em coqueiro?

“…Alguns estudos têm demonstrado que certas espécies de Euseius podem se desenvolver e reproduzir alimentandose apenas de eriofídeos (Dicke et al 1990, Schausberger 1992.…”