Development, survivorship, and reproduction of Amblyseius largoensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on selected plant pollens and temperatures

Effects of temperature and 4 plant pollens on the development, survivorship, and reproduction of Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) were evaluated. The average egg incubation period at 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 degrees C was 6.02, 3.26, 2.01, 1.45, and 1.95 d, respectively. The combined larval and nymphal developmental time (mean +/- SD) decreased from 11.18 +/- 0.55 to 3.21 +/- 0.41 d and adult longevity from 39.45 +/- 6.24 to 11.91 +/- 5.33 d as temperature was increased from 15 to 35 degrees C, respectively No significant difference in adult longevity was observed when pollens from live oak, Quercus virginiana Miller, castor bean, Ricinus communis L., cattail, Typha domingensis Persoon, and pygmy date palm, Phoenix roebelenii O'Brien, were provided as food at 25 degrees C. Survivorship was >90% when this predator was reared at 5 constant temperatures on 4 plant pollens as food, with the exception of egg hatch at 35 degrees C. The highest intrinsic rate of natural increase (r(m) = 0.265) and net reproductive rate (R(o) = 19.27) were obtained at 25 degrees C compared with the life table parameters derived from the other 4 constant temperatures. When pollens of live oak, castor bean, cattail, and pygmy data palm were provided as single food sources at 25 degrees C, life table parameters indicated that live oak pollen is the most suitable food source, followed by castor bean and cattail pollens.