Impact of temperature and prey type on biology and life-table parameters of Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans (Acari: Cheyletidae)

ABSTRACT This study deals with biology and life table parameters of the predatory mite, Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans were evaluated on three astigmatid mites as prey (i.e. Acarus siro (Linnaeus), Caloglyphus berlesei (Michael) and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank)) under laboratory conditions. Three constant temperatures (22, 27 and 32 ± 2°C) and constant relative humidity 80 ± 5% were used. Statistical analysis indicated significant difference between prey types and the three different temperatures. The shortest life cycle was recorded on A. siro (11.60 and 8.0 days) at 32°C, while the longest was on C. berlesei (29.5 and 21.2) at 22°C for females and males, respectively. Longest female longevity was on A. siro (43.6 days) at 22°C and shortest was 20.65 days on T. putrescentiae at 32°C. Highest fecundity was found on A. siro (196.50 eggs/female) at 27°C and lowest one was 69.10 eggs/female on C. berlesei at 22°C. The highest net reproduction rate of increase (R0) was 113.2 ♀/♀/generation at 27°C on A. siro. Obtained results suggested that C. malaccensis could develop and reproduce within a wide range of temperatures and prey types. It can also be used as a biological control agent to reduce the amount of acarid mite pests that infest stored commodities.