INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY ON LONGEVITY, FECUNDITY, AND RATE OF INCREASE OF THE MITE TYROPHAGUS PUTRESCENTIAE (SCHRANK) (ACARINA: ACARIDAE) REARED ON MOLD CULTURES

Abstract

Adult females of Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank), a mite that infests stored food products, were reared individually on mold cultures at all combinations of five temperatures and four humidities. A definite diminution in life usually occurred with increase in either temperature or humidity, and the oviposition period was the most affected. Total egg-production and rate of laying were highest at 72.5° F and 90% R.H., and both generally decreased with an increase in temperature or decrease in humidity from these values. Peak of egg-laying, however, was reached sooner at higher temperatures but egg-production was maintained at relatively high levels for shorter periods. Rate of increase was greatest and approximately the same at 90% R.H. within the range 72.5° to 81.5° F.