Abstract
Different biological aspects and predation efficacy of the predatory mite, Agistemus exsertus Gonzalez (Acari: Stigmaeidae), when fed on eggs of Ephestia cautella (Walker), were studied under laboratory conditions. A. exsertus successfully developed and reproduced when fed solely on eggs of E. cautella. Life cycle, generation period, life span and predation rate were significantly affected by different temperatures but female longevity and fecundity were not. Life cycle, generation period, and life span were shorter and predation rate was higher at 30 degrees C. All different mobile stages of A exsertus were able to prey on E. cautella eggs. This is the first report to indicate E. cautella as a prey for A exsertus.