Abstract
Scolothrips sexmaculatus Pergande is a predaceous thrips species on spider mites. Consumption rate is one of the main parameters to evaluate S. sexmaculatus potential as a biological control agent for spider mites. Its daily consumption rate on Tetranychus urticae Koch, at two different temperatures (25 and 30 degrees C) was studied under laboratory conditions. At 30 degrees C, S. sexmaculatus female consumed 56.5 eggs, 36.25 immatures and 19.25 adults/day, while the male predator consumed comparatively fewer numbers of the prey; 40.5, 31.25 and15.25, respectively. Daily consumption rate of the 2nd nymphal instar of S. sexmaculatus was higher than the one. The daily consumption rate of the predator was fewer at 25 degrees C. The present results suggest that S. sexmaculatus can effectively suppress the mite's population.