The fitness of the cotton mealybug <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phenacoccus solenopsis</Emphasis> (Tinsley) is reduced after feeding on virus-infected <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hibiscus rosa</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">sinensis</Emphasis>

The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley) and Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMV), serious threats to economic crops and garden plants, have invaded southern China and widely infected Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Whether an inter-species connection has facilitated the invasion process is unclear. In this study the interaction between P. solenopsis and H. rosa-sinensis infected with CLCuMV was investigated in the laboratory. We observed that 1st and 2nd instar nymphs of P. solenopsis preferred to feed on healthy H. rosa-sinensis leaves, whereas 3rd instar nymphs and female adults had no preference between healthy and virus-infected H. rosa-sinensis leaves. The developmental time of each P. solenopsis developmental stage increased significantly after feeding on infected H. rosa-sinensis leaves (p < 0.05). In particular, the development time for 2nd instar female and male nymphs and 3rd instar female nymphs increased by approximately twofold. The generation time of female mealybugs increased from 25.84 d on healthy H. rosa-sinensis to 32.12 d when feeding on CLCuMV-infected H. rosa-sinensis, and the survival rate decreased from 71.04 % on healthy H. rosa-sinensis to 5.80 % on infected plants. Nymph survival was most affected by feeding on infected plants. Additionally, the fecundity of female mealybugs feeding on infected H. rosa-sinensis decreased by 47.8 %. Thus, feeding on CLCuMV-infected H. rosa-sinensis significantly decreased the biological fitness and invading and colonizing abilities of P. solenopsis.     

Changes in the photosynthetic characteristics of cotton leaves infested by invasive mealybugs tended by native ant species

Herbivore injury has a direct effect on the growth and performance of host plants through photosynthetic suppression. However, changes in plant photosynthesis affected by ant tending of hemipteran sap feeders remain poorly understood. We investigated the effects of an invasive mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis) tended by native ants (Paratrechina longicornis) on the chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) leaves under greenhouse conditions. The results showed that the relative chlorophyll content of the infested cotton leaves significantly decreased after 10 days, and the chlorophyll contents were reduced by 26.4 and 34.9 % after 20 days in the without and with ant treatments compared to the control, respectively. In addition, the light utilization efficiency and maximum relative electron transport rate were reduced by 53.0 and 51.3 % compared to the control, respectively. However, no significant differences in these factors were found between the without and with ant treatments. The light saturation coefficient, describing the capacity of a sample to resist glare, exhibited no significant difference among treatments. The number of tending P. longicornis ants increased with P. solenopsis numbers, and the P. solenopsis numbers decreased after 20 days compared to the without ant treatment. We suggest that the tending ants may enhance the feeding ability of individual mealybugs in spite of the decreased number of mealybugs in this situation. Additionally, P. longicornis decrease the relative chlorophyll content of infested cotton leaves and may accelerate the damage caused by P. solenopsis to plants over time.     

Seasonal Abundance and Predatory Potential of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Stethorus aptus</Emphasis> Kapur (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): A Biocontrol Agent of Tea Red Spider Mite <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oligonychus coffeae</Emphasis> Nietner (Acarina: Tetranychidae)

The tea red spider mite, Oligonychus coffeae Nietner is one of the major pests of tea plants in North-east India. The ladybird beetle, Stethorus aptus Kapur, is a newly reported predator of O. coffeae. Predatory efficiency study of S. aptus under laboratory conditions revealed that adult of S. aptus consumed significantly more mites than larvae. In free choice condition, the predator consumed within a range of 48–56 adults and 82–90 larvae of O. coffeae whereas the 3rd and 4th instar larvae of S. aptus consumed 20–26 adults and 50–60 larvae of O. coffeae per day respectively. Population dynamics of S. aptus was observed for 1 year under field conditions. The maximum density of the predator was recorded during January to March and it gradually declined from September onwards. Population of S. aptus showed positive correlation with its prey O. coffeae and relative humidity while effect of other factors was insignificant.     

Feeding behavior,ration and size structure of a population of the predatory gastropod <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptonatica janthostoma</Emphasis> in Vostok Bay,Sea of Japan

The relationships between the shell height of the predatory gastropod Cryptonatica janthostoma and the shell length of its typical prey, the bivalve Ruditapes philippinarum, and the diameter of the borehole on the prey shell resulting from a successful attack of the predator were experimentally found and assessed statistically. The shell height of C. janthostoma calculated retrospectively from the borehole diameter using the obtained relationships was 17–52 mm. The prey of C. janthostoma are burrowing bivalves, whose populations are affected by the predator to a varying degree. In populations of medium-sized mollusks (R. philippinarum, Protothaca euglypta, P. jedoensis, and others), C. janthostoma feeds on mollusks larger than 7–10 mm; in species with a shell length greater than 100 mm (Callista brevisiphonata, Saxidomus purpuratus), it eats specimens of 10–58 mm. C. janthostoma apparently has no effect on populations of small-sized mollusks (Anisocorbula venusta) and mollusks with an active avoidance response (Clinocardium californiense).     

The fitness of the Brazilian damsel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Stegastes fuscus</Emphasis> is increased by sharing the territory with the dusky grouper <Emphasis Type="Italic">Epinephelus marginatus</Emphasis>

Stegastes fuscus and Epinephelus marginatus are known for co-habiting shelters. The damselfish S. fuscus uses the territory for nesting and must protect its eggs from grazers; the grouper E. marginatus is an omnivorous sit-and-wait predator. This study aims to evaluate the effect of juvenile groupers on the reproductive success of the Brazilian damsel. Twenty-five hours of underwater observations were done in São Sebastião and Ilhabela, Northern shore of São Paulo, Brazil. Fitness increase was measured by the egg-clutch area and number of contributing females in 130 nests shared by groupers and another 130 where damselfishes stood alone. An egg predator crab was placed into the damselfish territory, and behavioural responses during 2 min were recorded for nests with or without E. marginatus, 80 replicates each. Nests shared by the dusky groupers had more eggs and received eggs from more females too. While fathers who were alone in the territory had to deal with the egg predator crab, in shared nests, the grouper would take care of the intruder, sometimes feeding on it. Therefore, the Brazilian damsel may benefit from the presence of the dusky grouper by increasing the fitness and diminishing the costs of parental care.     

Few But Relatively Large Prey: Trophic Ecology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chauliodus sloani</Emphasis> (Pisces: Stomiidae) in Deep Waters of the Central Mediterranean Sea

The trophic ecology of Chauliodus sloani (Stomiidae) was thoroughly investigated by stomach content analysis for the first time in the Mediterranean. Overall 206 individuals (64.0–260.0 mm SL) were collected from 2013 to 2015. C. sloani can be defined a specialist predator which feeds exclusively on mesopelagic fish belonging to Gonostomatidae, Myctophidae, Paralepididae, Phosichthyidae, Sternoptychidae and Stomiidae. Gonostomatidae (%IRI = 26.02), Myctophidae (%IRI = 24.77) and Sternoptychidae (%IRI = 24.35) were important food items for C. sloani. Maurolicus muelleri (%IRI = 36.43), Cyclothone braueri (%IRI = 28.26) and Vinciguerria attenuata (%IRI = 12.97) were the most important prey. Cases of cannibalism were also observed. The examination of food size spectrum, in relation to predator length, demonstrated that C. sloani developed a feeding strategy aimed to maximizing energy input and based on the capture of few and relatively large prey: more than 50% of prey items exceeded the value of 20% for ratio between prey and predator size (SL) and the 5.4% of prey measured more than 50% of predator size. Differences in food composition across seasons were found; C. braueri and M. muelleri were more abundant in autumn, V. attenuata during spring. Prey items mainly belongs to weakly vertical migrating fauna, usually concentrated at 400 m Deep Scattering Layer.     

Suitability of edaphic arthropods as prey for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Proctolaelaps bickleyi</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cosmolaelaps brevistilis</Emphasis> (Acari: Mesostigmata: Melicharidae,Laelapidae) under laboratory conditions

Soils are often complex habitats inhabited by a wide range of organisms, some harmful to plants and others beneficial, for example by attacking harmful organisms. Beneficial organisms include predatory mites, some of which have been commercialized for biological control of pest insects and mites. The objective of this work was to evaluate under laboratory condition the suitability of representative soil insect and mite pests, especially Aceria tulipae (Keifer), as prey to the soil-inhabiting predatory mites Proctolaelaps bickleyi (Bram) and Cosmolaelaps brevistilis (Karg). Predation, oviposition and survivorship of recently molted adult females of the predators were assessed in the dark in rearing chambers at 25 ± 1 °C and 75 ± 3% RH. Predation rate by P. bickleyi on A. tulipae was significantly higher than that by C. brevistilis (196.3 vs. 71.0 specimens/day). About 482 A. tulipae were preyed by each P. bickleyi at each day, when 500 A. tulipae were made available daily to the predator. Oviposition rate on that prey was also higher for P. bickleyi (4.2 eggs/day). For C. brevistilis, the highest level of oviposition was on Caliothrips phaseoli (Hood) (1.2 eggs/day). Survivorship was always higher for C. brevistilis (≥ 70%), given its ability to remain alive relatively long even in the absence of prey. High rates of survivorship of P. bickleyi were observed on A. tulipae, Bradysia matogrossensis (Lane) and Protorhabditis sp. Promising results were obtained for P. bickleyi on A. tulipae and even on other prey, justifying the conduction of complementary studies under field condition.     

Biotic resistance of impact: a native predator (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chaoborus</Emphasis>) influences the impact of an invasive predator (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bythotrephes</Emphasis>) in temperate lakes

Introduced predators have caused some of the largest documented impacts of non-native species. Interactions among predators can have complex effects, leading to both synergistic and antagonistic outcomes. Complex interactions with native predators could play an important role in mediating the impact of non-native predators. We explore the role of the native predator context on the effect of the introduced predatory cladoceran Bythotrephes longimanus. While post-invasion impacts have been well described, studies have largely ignored the role of native predators. We used a field mesocosm experiment to determine whether Bythotrephes’ impact on prey communities is influenced by the presence of the ubiquitous native predatory insect larvae Chaoborus. The two predators exhibited niche complementarity as no change in total zooplankton prey abundance was detected across predator treatments. Rather, copepod abundances increased with decreasing abundances of Chaoborus, while cladocerans decreased with increasing abundances of Bythotrephes. Thus, the replacement of Chaoborus with Bythotrephes led to changes in the overall community structure of the zooplankton prey, but had little effect on prey total abundance. More interestingly, we found evidence of biotic resistance of impact, that is, the impact of Bythotrephes on the cladoceran community was altered when the two predators co-occurred. Specifically, the predation effect of Bythotrephes was more restricted to the shallower regions of the water column in the presence of Chaoborus, leading to a reduced impact on deeper dwelling prey taxa. Overall, our results demonstrate that the native predator context is important when trying to understand the effect of non-native predators and that variation in native predator abundances and assemblages could explain variation in impact across invaded habitats.     

Suitability of Different Prey Aphids on the Growth,Development and Reproduction of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi</Emphasis> (Esben-Petersen) (Chrysopidae: Neuroptera)

The prey preference of polyphagous predator, green lacewing (Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Petersen)) was evaluated against five prey aphids viz., mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi), green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), cabbage aphid (Brevicorynebrassicae), black bean aphid (Aphis craccivora), spirea aphid (Aphis spiraecola) of agriculture importance and compared with eggs of Corcyracephalonica (Stainton). Lacewing larvae preferred Myzus persicae most followed by Brevicorynebrassicae. The highest growth index (8.31), larval survival (94.50 %), larval weight (10.45 mg), pupal weight (8.78 mg), faster multiplication rate (0.051) and fecundity (183.4 per gravid female) of the predator were recorded on M. persicae. However, the chrysopid reared on Corcyra eggs performed best in all biological parameters and fitness, than on aphid preys. This study explores the possibilities of selecting the most suitable prey aphid species for its exploitation as supplement for mass multiplication of chrysopid during off-season or unavailability of Corcyra eggs.     

The interaction of two-spotted spider mites, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tetranychus urticae</Emphasis> Koch,with Cry protein production and predation by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Amblyseius andersoni</Emphasis> (Chant) in Cry1Ac/Cry2Ab cotton and Cry1F maize

Crops producing insecticidal crystal (Cry) proteins from the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), are an important tool for managing lepidopteran pests on cotton and maize. However, the effects of these Bt crops on non-target organisms, especially natural enemies that provide biological control services, are required to be addressed in an environmental risk assessment. Amblyseius andersoni (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a cosmopolitan predator of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), a significant pest of cotton and maize. Tri-trophic studies were conducted to assess the potential effects of Cry1Ac/Cry2Ab cotton and Cry1F maize on life history parameters (survival rate, development time, fecundity and egg hatching rate) of A. andersoni. We confirmed that these Bt crops have no effects on the biology of T. urticae and, in turn, that there were no differences in any of the life history parameters of A. andersoni when it fed on T. urticae feeding on Cry1Ac/Cry2Ab or non-Bt cotton and Cry1F or non-Bt maize. Use of a susceptible insect assay demonstrated that T. urticae contained biologically active Cry proteins. Cry proteins concentrations declined greatly as they moved from plants to herbivores to predators and protein concentration did not appear to be related to mite density. Free-choice experiments revealed that A. andersoni had no preference for Cry1Ac/Cry2Ab cotton or Cry1F maize-reared T. urticae compared with those reared on non-Bt cotton or maize. Collectively these results provide strong evidence that these crops can complement other integrated pest management tactics including biological control.     

Shared behavioral responses and predation risk of anuran larvae and adults exposed to a novel predator

Invasive species are a regional and global threat to biological diversity. In order to evaluate an invasive predator species’ potential to harm populations of native prey species, it is critical to evaluate the behavioral responses of all life stages of the native prey species to the novel predator. The invasion of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) into southern California provides an opportunity to evaluate the predation risk and behavioral responses of native amphibians. We performed predation trials and explored prey behavioral responses to determine how this invasive predator may impact native amphibian populations using Pacific chorus frogs (Pseudacris regilla) as a representative native California prey species. We found that X. laevis will readily prey upon larval and adult life stages of P. regilla. Behavior trials indicated that both larval and adult P. regilla exhibit prey response behaviors and will spatially avoid the novel invasive predator. The results suggest that native anurans may have a redundant predator response in both the larval and adult life stages, which could reduce the predatory impact of X. laevis but also drive emigration of native amphibians from invaded habitat.     

Effects of Transgenic Cry1Ac + CpTI Cotton on Non-Target Mealybug Pest Ferrisia virgata and Its Predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

Recently, several invasive mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) have rapidly spread to Asia and have become a serious threat to the production of cotton including transgenic cotton. Thus far, studies have mainly focused on the effects of mealybugs on non-transgenic cotton, without fully considering their effects on transgenic cotton and trophic interactions. Therefore, investigating the potential effects of mealybugs on transgenic cotton and their key natural enemies is vitally important. A first study on the effects of transgenic cotton on a non-target mealybug, Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was performed by comparing its development, survival and body weight on transgenic cotton leaves expressing Cry1Ac (Bt toxin) + CpTI (Cowpea Trypsin Inhibitor) with those on its near-isogenic non-transgenic line. Furthermore, the development, survival, body weight, fecundity, adult longevity and feeding preference of the mealybug predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was assessed when fed F. virgata maintained on transgenic cotton. In order to investigate potential transfer of Cry1Ac and CpTI proteins via the food chain, protein levels in cotton leaves, mealybugs and ladybirds were quantified. Experimental results showed that F. virgata could infest this bivalent transgenic cotton. No significant differences were observed in the physiological parameters of the predator C. montrouzieri offered F. virgata reared on transgenic cotton or its near-isogenic line. Cry1Ac and CpTI proteins were detected in transgenic cotton leaves, but no detectable levels of both proteins were present in the mealybug or its predator when reared on transgenic cotton leaves. Our bioassays indicated that transgenic cotton poses a negligible risk to the predatory coccinellid C. montrouzieri via its prey, the mealybug F. virgata.     

The Predation Strategy of the Recluse Spider <Emphasis Type="Italic">Loxosceles rufipes</Emphasis> (Lucas, 1834) against four Prey Species

Generalist predators have to deal with prey with sometimes very different morphologies and defensive behaviors. Therefore, such predators are expected to express plasticity in their predation strategy. Here we investigated the predatory behavior of the recluse spider Loxosceles rufipes (Araneae, Sicariidae) when attacking prey with different morphologies and defensive mechanisms. We expected L. rufipes to show different prey capture strategies and variable acceptance towards each prey type. Potential prey species were collected directly from the web or in the surroundings of the web-building site of L. rufipes. We collected and used the following in our experiments: termite workers (Nasutitermes sp.), lepidopteran larvae (Eurema salome), ants (Camponotus sp.) and isopods (Tylidae). We paired these prey with L. rufipes and recorded their behavior in captivity, quantifying acceptance rate, immobilization time and the sequence of behaviors by the predator. The acceptance rate was lower for isopods but not different among other prey. The immobilization time was higher for isopods than for termites and similar for the other pairwise comparisons. The behavioral sequence was similar for all prey except for isopods, which were also bit more often. Our combined results show plasticity in the behavior of L. rufipes and also show it subdues a potentially dangerous prey (ant) and an armored prey (isopod).     

Evaluation of genes involved in Norway lobster (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Nephrops norvegicus</Emphasis>) female sexual maturation using transcriptomic analysis

In marine ecosystems, the most significant migration observed in terms of biomass distribution is the one connected with the vertical movements in the water column. In the present study, the vertical profiles of the mesopelagic shrimps Gennadas elegans, Eusergestes arcticus, Sergia robusta, and the epipelagic Parasergestes vigilax in the Balearic Sea (western Mediterranean), during the stratified (summer) and non-stratified (autumn) hydrographic conditions, were investigated through their ontogeny, from the larval to adult stages. The mesopelagic adults were observed to move down to the deeper layers during the night more than during the daylight hours. Most larvae aggregated within the limits of the upper water column. The P. vigilax larvae were collected only during the stratified period. The first two larval stages vertical distribution indicates that the mesopelagic crustacean spawning could occur at greater depths. During the non-stratified period, the larvae of the mesopelagic species tended to remain at about 500 m depth at night, rising towards the upper layers at sunrise. Vertical patterns are discussed, as strategies associated with predator–prey trade-offs. To our knowledge, the present study is the first such attempt to jointly analyze the vertical migrations of the developmental stages of the pelagic shrimps in the Mediterranean Sea.     

Reaping benefits from an invasive species: role of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Harmonia axyridis</Emphasis> in natural biological control of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aphis glycines</Emphasis> in North America

Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is an invasive species present in numerous agroecosystems in North America. Despite adverse impacts as a threat to native biodiversity, a nuisance household invader and a pest in fruit production, H. axyridis also plays a beneficial role as a major component of assemblages of generalist predators in several agricultural crops. Here, we review the role of H. axyridis as a natural enemy of Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), an invasive pest of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill (Fabales: Fabaceae), in North America. Harmonia axyridis is often the most abundant predator species attacking A. glycines in soybean agroecosystems. This predator has the potential to both prevent and suppress A. glycines outbreaks. Further studies are needed to fully understand and utilize the potential of H. axyridis as a natural enemy in the management of A. glycines and other agricultural pests in agroecosystems worldwide.     

The presence of an alternative food source changes the tending behavior of the big-headed ant, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pheidole megacephala</Emphasis> (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dysmicoccus brevipes</Emphasis> (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae)

The mutualistic association between ants and hemipterans is often facultative and can be affected by the availability of other food sources. In the present study we tested whether the tending behavior of the big-headed ant, Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius), had a negative impact on the pink pineapple mealybug, Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell), when alternative food sources: (1) sugar solution, (2) purified water + mealworms and (3) sugar solution + mealworms versus with purified water (control) were provided to the ant colonies. We found that the frequency of ant tending on D. brevipes decreased when ants were provided with alternative food sources. However, we did not see any aggressive behaviors and predation of ants on D. brevipes. Also, the survival of D. brevipes was not different among food condition treatments. These results suggest that the decreased tending frequency of ants can lead to the decline in ant protection service to mealybugs.     

Acaricidal properties of ylang-ylang oil and star anise oil against nymphs of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ixodes ricinus</Emphasis> (Acari: Ixodidae)

Understanding and responding to the ecological, social and economic conditions that facilitate disease emergence and transmission represents a substantial challenge for epidemiologists and health professionals. In this article we integrate knowledge about the human and the vector population, to provide a context from which to examine the underlying causal factors of D. marginatus-borne diseases emergence in the study area. Within this framework we analyse the biotic and abiotic factors that drive D. marginatus population dynamics and the role of its typical host for dispersal. These investigations suggest that D. marginatus is a tick species prone to spatially overlap its presence with human population presence. Then we consider the public health implications for the residents, when simply carrying out trivial outdoor activities may increase the risk to contact an infected tick.     

Reproductive tables of predatory phytoseiid mites (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phytoseiulus persimilis,Galendromus occidentalis</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Neoseiulus cucumeris</Emphasis>)

Feeding of predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis, Galendromus occidentalis, and Neoseiulus cucumeris) on different life stages of Tetranychus atlanticus under optimal conditions was studied. Daily and total consumption of prey by predators and selection of prey of different life stages were studied for 5 days and for the entire feeding period. Average daily food consumption [number of individuals] for the entire life period of mature mite females constituted 0.43 females + 5.0 [nymphs and males] + 3.4 eggs of Tetranychus atlanticus in P. persimilis; 0.12 females + 3.70 [nymphs and males] + 3.10 eggs in G. occidentalis; and 0.19 females + 4.10 [nymphs and males] + 3.50 eggs in N. cucumeris. During the entire period of feeding, P. persimilis preferred large individuals and at the postembryonic stages selected prey to a greater extent than G. occidentalis and N. cucumeris (61.8 and 55.1%, respectively). The use of a 5-day express-method is possible for estimation of some biological characteristics of phytoseiids that previously consumed the same food for a long period. In other cases, analysis of characteristics for the entire life period is necessary.     

Cryptic diversity within grass-associated <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abacarus</Emphasis> species complex (Acariformes: Eriophyidae), with the description of a new species, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abacarus plumiger</Emphasis> n. sp.

Ricoseius loxocheles (De Leon) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is often found in coffee crops and is known to feed on coffee leaf rust, Hemileia vastatrix Berkeley and Broome (Uredinales). As the occurrence of coffee leaf rust is limited primarily to the rainy season, the mite may use other food sources to survive during the periods of low pathogen prevalence. It is well known that phytoseiid mites can survive on a variety of food sources, such as herbivorous mites, fungi and pollen. We evaluated the ability of R. loxocheles to survive and reproduce on a diet of Brevipalpus phoenicis Geijskes (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), cattail pollen (Typha spp.), clover rust (Puccinia oxalidis), bee pollen (Santa Bárbara^® dehydrated pollen, Santa Bárbara, MG, Brazil) and coffee leaf rust. Ricoseius loxocheles did not survive or reproduce on any B. phoenicis stages tested (egg, larva, adult). The survival and oviposition of R. loxocheles were directly affected by the presence of coffee rust urediniospores, but not by the presence of the prey. Survival and oviposition of the phytoseiid were similar when fed cattail pollen, clover rust and coffee leaf rust but was lower when fed bee pollen. Our results show that R. loxocheles is not a predator of B. phoenicis but it is able to utilize other resources besides coffee leaf rust.