Environmental Entomology (1996) 25, 390-395

Sergey Izraylevich, Uri Gerson and Oren Hasson (1996)
Numerical response of a parasitic mite: Host effect and mechanism
Environmental Entomology 25 (2), 390-395
Abstract: Populations of the mite Hemisarcoptes coccophagus Meyer parasitizing 2 species of armored scale insects were sampled during 1 yr in Israel. Oleander scale, Aspidioutus nerii Bouché, occurred on leaves, and latania scale, Hemiberlesia lataniae (Signoret), inhabited leaves and branches of acacia, Acacia cyanophylla Lindley. We applied regression analysis to explore effects of different host stages, age phases, and species on the numerical responses of the mite to changing scale densities. Our data demonstrate the existence of host-specific numerical responses. The mite responded faster to the density of latania scale than to the density of oleander scale. The numerical responses were faster for ovipositing scale females than for young females. The strength of mite response to the density of the various scale stages, phases, and species was correlated positively with their suitability for the mite. The numerical response of the mite to changes in its host density acted mainly through aggregation or improved survival rather than by enhanced fecundity.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Uri Gerson

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

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Aspidiotus nerii	Acacia (crop)	Israel
	Hemiberlesia lataniae	Acacia (crop)	Israel
Hemisarcoptes coccophagus (predator)	Aspidiotus nerii	Acacia (crop)	Israel
Hemisarcoptes coccophagus (predator)	Hemiberlesia lataniae	Acacia (crop)	Israel