Journal of Medical Entomology (2005) 42, 266-269

A.J. Pike, M.J. Cunningham and P.J. Lester (2005)
Development of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Acari: Pyroglyphidae) at constant and simultaneously fluctuating temperature and humidity conditions
Journal of Medical Entomology 42 (3), 266-269
Abstract: House dust mites are found in almost all dwellings in New Zealand and are a major risk factor in the development of asthma and perennial allergic rhinitis. We studied the longevity, life stage length, and fecundity of a New Zealand strain of European house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart), at constant (23°C, 75% RH) and the fluctuating conditions typically found in dry (18-25°C, 60-38% RH) and damp (18-23°C, 70-55% RH) New Zealand dust mite microhabitats in carpets. All the adult mites placed in the 'dry' conditions died within 18 d. Mites in the 'damp' conditions had developmental times, oviposition, and death rates that were not significantly different from constant conditions. These mites are tolerant of fluctuating temperatures, but they are more susceptible to environments that strongly fluctuate in humidity.
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Full text of article
Database assignments for author(s): Philip J. Lester

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus		New Zealand