Abstract
The developmental, survival, predation rates, and reproduction ofAmblyseius swirskii(Phytoseiidae), as affected by feeding on the motile stages ofPhyllocoptruta oleivora(Eriophyidae) and nymphs ofEutetranychus orientalis(Tetranychidae), were studied in the laboratory at six constant temperatures and relative humidities: 9 degrees C and 70% RH; 16 degrees C and 65% RH; 23 degrees C and 60% RH; 30 degrees C and 55% RH, 37 degrees C and 50% RH and 40 degrees C and 45% RH. The maximum daily consumption rate was recorded at 30 degrees C and occurred during the oviposition period, when the females consumed an average of 169.40 specimens ofP. oleivoraand 24.58 ofE. orientalis. The maximum reproduction rate (4.20, and 3.84 eggs/female/day, onP. oleivoraandE. orientalis, respectively) was recorded at 30 degrees C and 50% RH, while the minimum one (1.20 and 0.86 eggs/female/day, onP. oleivoraandE. orientalis, respectively) was observed at 16 degrees C and 65% RH. It is demonstrated in the life-table parameters that when the predatory miteA. swirskiiis fed onP. oleivora, the highest reproduction rates (r(m) = 0.144, 0.195, 0.280, and 0.181 females/female/day) are obtained, while feeding onE. orientalisgave the lowest reproduction rates (r(m) = 0.121, 0.172, 0.204, and 0.141) at 16 degrees C and 65% RH, 23 degrees C and 60% RH, 30 degrees C and 55% RH, and 37 degrees C and 50% RH, respectively. The results suggest thatA. swirskiiis a promising control agent forP. oleivoraandE. orientalison orange trees.