DefinePK

Abstract

The phytoseiid predatory mite Euseius scutalis Athias-Henriot was observed feeding on different phytophagous mites, scale insects and whiteflies in Hail region, Saudi Arabia. It was reared for the whole life span on immature stages larvae and nymphs of the tetranychid mites Tetranychus urticae Koch Oligonychus afrasiaticus McGregor and Eutetranychus orientalis Klein in the laboratory. Development of E. scutalis was not significantly affected by prey species but immature stages of T. urticae shortened the development of the predatory mite. Adult longevity was shorter when female mite fed on O. afrasiaticus while T. urticae significantly prolonged longevity time and caused the highest rate of egg production. Feeding on T. urticae immature stages, predatory mite has better life table parameters in comparison with the other prey mites. Mean generation time T averaged 14.88, 14.70 and 16.14 days net reproductive rate Ro averaged 26.737, 13.248 and 13.606 intrinsic rate of natural increase rm was 0.22, 0.175 and 0.161 finite rate of increase erm averaged 1.247, 1.192 and 1.175 when mite fed immature stages of T. urticae, E. orientalis and O. afrasiaticus, respectively. Euseius scutalis is considered a promising biological control agent against phytophagous mites, scale insects and whiteflies in Hail, Saudi Arabia.