Abstract

Parameters that describe foraging behavior play a key role in selection of natural enemies used in biological control programs. These parameters are greatly affected by patch condition and food source type. This study was carried out to evaluate foraging behavior in Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), a predatory mite of Tetranychus urticae Koch under different patch and diet conditions. The predation rate of N. barkeri at different egg and nymph densities of T. urticae (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128) was investigated in both limited and unlimited patches either in the presence or absence of pollen as an additional food source under laboratory conditions. A Type II functional response was determined for N. barkeri on eggs or nymphs of T. urticae in both unlimited and limited patches. The type of functional response was not affected by presence or absence of pollen. The numerical response, in terms of eggs laid, increased curvilinear with increasing prey density. The numerical response was similar in shape to a Type II functional response. The efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) of female N. barkeri decreased in all treatments when prey density increased. The type of patch (limited or unlimited) and prey stage (egg or nymph in the presence or absence of pollen) can affect searching efficiency (a) and handling time (Th) (functional response) as well as daily fecundity and ECI (numerical response) of the phytoseiid predator mite, N. barkeri with implications for its use in biological control.