Environmental Entomology (2001) 30, 1112-1118
Chuleui Jung and Brian A. Croft (2001)
Ambulatory and aerial dispersal among specialist and generalist predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Environmental Entomology 30 (6), 1112-1118
Abstract: Predator-prey systems having a specialist predator often are over-exploitive, unstable and transient while similar systems having a generalist predator show less fluctuation, more stability and regulation of prey at lower densities. These population dynamics also affect dispersal patterns between specialist and generalist predators. In this study, ambulatory and aerial dispersal were assessed for five predaceous phytoseiid mites having different degrees of predation specialization: Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, Specialist I; Neoseiulus fallacis (Garman) Specialist II; N. californicus Chant, Specialist II/Generalist III; Kampimodromus aberrans (Oudemans), Generalist III; and Euseius finlandicus (Oudemans), Generalist IV. In general, specialist species had more walking activity and aerial dispersal than generalist species. Somewhat different dispersal strategies were seen between N. fallacis and N. californicus. Dispersal from a prey (twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch) patch was earlier for the more generalized N. californicus, and N. fallacis (more specialized phytoseiid) remained without dispersing until almost all prey were eliminated. Both dispersed aerially at similar rates. In general, cues from spider mite infestations decreased dispersal of specialist phytoseiids, but either acted to increase or not affect dispersal of generalist feeding phytoseiid species.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Chuleui Jung
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
transmission/dispersal
Pest and/or beneficial records:
| Beneficial | Pest/Disease/Weed | Crop/Product | Country | Quarant.
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tetranychus urticae | ||||
| Phytoseiulus persimilis (predator) | ||||
| Neoseiulus fallacis (predator) | Tetranychus urticae | |||
| Neoseiulus californicus (predator) | Tetranychus urticae | |||
| Euseius finlandicus (predator) | ||||
| Kampimodromus aberrans (predator) |
