Experimental studies on acarine predator–prey interactions: the numerical response of immature and adult predators (Acarina: Phytoseiidae)

Abstract

The numerical responses of two species of phytoseiid mites, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Amblyseius degenerans, were studied in the laboratory. Developmental times and survival rates were examined in the immature instars and oviposition rates in adult females. Prey requirements for development, survival, and oviposition were lower with P. persimilis than A. degenerans due to the nature of their respective feeding and searching behaviour. The fecundity of P. persimilis increased linearly with increasing numbers of prey killed, whereas that of A. degenerans increased curvilinearly. Experiments on the effects of the feeding history of adult females on their fecundity showed that their response depended not only on their most recent nutritional history but also on prey conditions experienced early in their adult lives. The ability of the females to respond to an increase in prey density may be enhanced or reduced depending on the prey conditions experienced. The manner in which the requirements for prey, and the feeding and searching behaviour of the predators, influenced their responses is discussed.