Applied Entomology and Zoology (2004) 39, 511-519

Tetsuo Gotoh, Koichi Yamaguchi, Makiko Fukazawa and Katsuhiko Mori (2004)
Effect of temperature on life history traits of the predatory thrips, Scolothrips takahashii Priesner (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Applied Entomology and Zoology 39 (3), 511-519
Abstract: Scolothrips takahashii is an indigenous thrips in Japan that feeds on many spider mite species. To evaluate whether S. takahashii has potential as a biological control agent for spider mites, we investigated the development, survivorship and life-history parameters of S. takahashii on a diet of Tetranychus urticae (red form) eggs at different temperatures. More than 74% of thrips eggs hatched and more than 76% of newly hatched larvae attained maturity at 15-35°C. No females laid eggs at 37.5 or 40°C. The lower threshold temperature for development from egg to oviposition was 11.7°C and the thermal constant was calculated as 204.1 degree-days. Based on these data, the maximum number of generations that could complete development in a year under field conditions in Ibaraki, central Japan would be between seven and ten. Mating was unnecessary to induce oviposition but unmated females produced only male progeny. At 25°C, females laid a mean of 90.5 eggs during a mean oviposition period of 17.8 days. The values for the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), one important life-history parameter, were 0.113 at 20°C, 0.195 at 25°C, and 0.246 at 30°C. These results suggest S. takahashii has considerable potential as a biological control agent against spider mites.
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Database assignments for author(s): Tetsuo Gotoh

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Tetranychus urticae		Japan
Scolothrips takahashii (predator)	Tetranychus urticae		Japan