Environmental Entomology (2000) 29, 265-271

Joon-Ho Lee and Jeong Joon Ahn (2000)
Temperature effects on development, fecundity, and life table parameters of Amblyseius womersleyi (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Environmental Entomology 29 (2), 265-271
Abstract: The development, reproduction, and life table of Amblyseius womersleyi (Schicha) were studied at temperatures ranging from 16 to 38°C, 60–70% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. Mortality of A. womersleyi was high in the early developmental stages, and this trend was especially apparent at low temperatures. The developmental threshold for all immature stages was 11.6°C. The total preimaginal developmental time ranged from 48.3 to 316.0 h. The optimal temperature for development was 33°C. The nonlinear shape of temperature development was well described by the modified Sharpe and DeMichele model. The normalized cumulative frequency distributions of developmental times for each life stage were fitted to the three-parameter Weibull function. The 50% adult survivorship occurred at 15-21 d at <24°C, and on 7–9 d at >29°C. The mean daily fecundity ranged from 0.325 to 2.963 eggs and was fitted by a third-order polynomial equation. The intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) ranged from 0.053 to 0.402, and was maximal at 33°C. The results of this study indicate that A. womersleyi appears better adapted to higher temperatures, and may be a useful biological control agent for spider mites in greenhouse horticultural crops, and in field horticultural crops during summer. The established functions should be useful in building an A. womersleyi population model.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Joon-Ho Lee

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
environment/habitat manipulation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Tetranychus urticae
Neoseiulus womersleyi (predator)	Tetranychus urticae