南方小花蝽对西花蓟马和蚕豆蚜的捕食作用

南方小花蝽Orius similis是多种小型害虫的重要天敌昆虫,为了掌握其控制潜能,本文研究了南方小花蝽对西花蓟马Frankliniella occidentalis和蚕豆蚜Aphis craccivora的捕食作用。研究结果表明南方小花蝽3～5龄若虫和雌成虫对西花蓟马和蚕豆蚜的功能反应均符合HollingⅡ型方程,南方小花蝽3～5龄若虫和雌成虫对西花蓟马2龄若虫的瞬时攻击率均高于蚕豆蚜。南方小花蝽5龄若虫对蚕豆蚜的控制能力比雌成虫强,而对西花蓟马的控制能力比雌成虫差。南方小花蝽5龄若虫对西花蓟马2龄若虫和蚕豆蚜的捕食率（E）随着捕食者自身的密度（P）的增加而下降,其干扰反应方程分别为E=0.412P-1.623和E=0.416P-1.639。南方小花蝽5龄若虫对西花蓟马2龄若虫和蚕豆蚜有明显的选择性,5龄若虫喜欢取食西花蓟马2龄若虫,但前期取食的猎物对其选择性有明显的影响,更喜欢选择前期取食过的猎物。     

微小花蝽对四种猎物的喜好性

【目的】了解微小花蝽Orius minutus(Linnaeus)对4种主要自然猎物的喜好性。【方法】通过非选择性和选择性试验,室内测定并比较了微小花蝽初孵若虫、刚蜕皮后的5龄若虫和新羽化雌成虫对朱砂叶螨Tetranychus cinnabarinus(Boisduval)成螨、桃蚜Myzus persicae(Sulzer)低龄若虫、西花蓟马Frankliniella occidentalis(Pergande)2龄若虫和烟粉虱Bemisia tabaci(Gennadius)2-3龄若虫的日捕食量和喜好性Ci值。【结果】非选择性试验结果表明,在4种供试猎物中,微小花蝽初孵若虫对西花蓟马2龄若虫和朱砂叶螨成螨的日捕食量为最大,分别为14.20头/d和12.40头/d,刚蜕皮后的5龄若虫和新羽化雌成虫对朱砂叶螨成螨的日捕食量均为最大,分别为44.40头/d和37.20头/d。选择性试验结果表明,微小花蝽初孵若虫对西花蓟马2龄若虫和朱砂叶螨成螨均表现为正喜好性,其喜好性Ci值无显著差异,刚蜕皮后的5龄若虫和新羽化雌成虫对西花蓟马2龄若虫和桃蚜低龄若虫均表现为正喜好性,2者对西花蓟马的喜好性Ci值均显著大于对桃蚜。【结论】微小花蝽日捕食量最大的猎物是朱砂叶螨,其次是西花蓟马,而其最喜好的猎物则是西花蓟马。     

东亚小花蝽对西方花蓟马和二斑叶螨的捕食选择性

多食性天敌对猎物的捕食选择性及猎物密度对天敌捕食的干扰作用直接影响到天敌对不同猎物的控制作用.在实验室条件下研究了东亚小花蝽对西方花蓟马和/或二斑叶螨不同虫态的捕食选择性,以及两猎物中一种猎物的密度变化对小花蝽取食另一种猎物的影响.结果如下:东亚小花蝽5龄若虫和成虫对西方花蓟马2龄若虫的捕食选择性均强于对其成虫,对二斑叶螨的选择性为雌成螨>若螨>幼螨.实验中西方花蓟马2龄若虫是东亚小花蝽最喜好的虫态.二斑叶螨雌成螨密度固定为60头/19.63cm2,西方花蓟马若虫密度从10增加到60时显著地减少了东亚小花蝽对二斑叶螨的取食.反之,固定西方花蓟马同样密度,增加二斑叶螨密度却没有显著改变小花蝽对西方花蓟马的取食.此结果进一步表明,西方花蓟马是东亚小花蝽更喜好的猎物.     

四种猎物对南方小花蝽生长发育和繁殖的影响

南方小花蝽是多种猎物的天敌,为评价西花蓟马、二斑叶螨、蚕豆蚜和腐食酪螨饲养南方小花蝽的效果,研究了南方小花蝽取食四种猎物时的生长发育和繁殖情况。结果表明南方小花蝽取食腐食酪螨时若虫只能发育到5龄,4龄若虫累计存活率仅为6.8%。其它3种猎物均可使南方小花蝽正常生长发育和繁殖,其中南方小花蝽取食西花蓟马时生长发育时间最短,繁殖率最高;取食二斑叶螨时生长发育时间最长,繁殖率最低。取食西花蓟马的南方小花蝽净生殖率、内禀增长率和周限增长率明显高于其它两种猎物。用3种猎物连续饲养南方小花蝽两代,以蚕豆蚜和二斑叶螨为猎物时南方小花蝽的未成熟期、成虫的寿命、繁殖情况和生命参数在第一代和第二代之间都有所不同,但以西花蓟马为食料时南方小花蝽第一代和第二代之间生长发育和繁殖情况没有明显的差异。以上结果表明在供试猎物中西花蓟马对南方小花蝽实验种群的增长最有利。     

短期食物驯化对麦蛾卵饲养的东亚小花蝽的捕食功能反应影响

为探明使用替代饲料麦蛾Sitotroga cerealella卵饲养的东亚小花蝽Orius sauteri在释放前是否有必要针对其主要防治对象——蓟马、蚜虫、叶螨进行短期食物驯化,以及进行短期食物驯化对其捕食能力的影响。本试验以西花蓟马Frankliniella occidentalis、玉米蚜Rhopalosiphum maidis、二斑叶螨Tetranych usurticae为猎物,全程饲喂麦蛾卵的东亚小花蝽雌成虫为处理A,提前2 d饲喂猎物的东亚小花蝽雌成虫为处理B,研究了2种处理的东亚小花蝽在不同猎物密度(5、15、30、50头)下的捕食功能反应。结果发现,无论是否经过短期食物驯化,东亚小花蝽对3种猎物在不同猎物密度捕食功能反应均符合HollingⅡ型反应模型。处理A对3种猎物的平均时间均低于处理B,东亚小花蝽雌成虫处理每头西花蓟马的时间Th分别为0.024 d和0.031 d,玉米蚜分别为0.081 d和0.103 d,二斑叶螨为0.078 d和0.090 d。由此可知,以麦蛾卵作为替代饲料人工饲养的东亚小花蝽,在释放前不需要针对猎物进行短期食物驯化;在东亚小花蝽规模化生产中,麦蛾卵是一种优良的替代饲料。     

南方小花蝽在不同试验空间对西花蓟马的捕食及搜寻效应

【背景】南方小花蝽是一类很有利用前景的捕食性天敌,而有关其在不同捕食空间下对我国局部地区暴发成灾的重要入侵害虫西花蓟马捕食控制效能的研究较少。【方法】在实验室条件下比较研究了南方小花蝽成虫在不同试验空间对西花蓟马成虫、若虫的捕食选择性、捕食功能反应与搜寻效应。【结果】南方小花蝽成虫对西花蓟马若虫的捕食选择性强于成虫;在相同的试验空间,南方小花蝽成虫的日均捕食量随猎物数量的增加而增大,其对西花蓟马成虫和若虫的捕食量在猎物数量为每指形管中60头时最大,分别为15.90和19.30头;而搜寻效应随猎物数量的增加而降低。在各供试条件下,捕食功能反应均符合Holling Ⅱ型方程;南方小花蝽成虫在小饲养容器中对西花蓟马若虫的瞬时攻击率最大,为1.2794;而在大饲养容器中对西花蓟马成虫的瞬时攻击率最小,仅为0.3506,其处理1头西花蓟马成虫的时间约需0.0402d,而处理1头若虫的时间仅需0.0242d。在相同的猎物数量下,南方小花蝽成虫在大饲养容器中对西花蓟马的日均捕食量均低于其在小饲养容器中对西花蓟马的日均捕食量。【结论与意义】南方小花蝽对西花蓟马有很强的捕食效能,对西花蓟马的种群消长具有一定控制作用。本研究旨在为应用南方小花蝽防治西花蓟马积累资料,同时为西花蓟马的综合治理奠定理论基础。     

南方小花蝽在不同试验空间对西花蓟马的捕食及搜寻效应

【背景】南方小花蝽是一类很有利用前景的捕食性天敌,而有关其在不同捕食空间下对我国局部地区暴发成灾的重要入侵害虫西花蓟马捕食控制效能的研究较少。【方法】在实验室条件下比较研究了南方小花蝽成虫在不同试验空间对西花蓟马成虫、若虫的捕食选择性、捕食功能反应与搜寻效应。【结果】南方小花蝽成虫对西花蓟马若虫的捕食选择性强于成虫;在相同的试验空间,南方小花蝽成虫的日均捕食量随猎物数量的增加而增大,其对西花蓟马成虫和若虫的捕食量在猎物数量为每指形管中60头时最大,分别为15.[KG-*8]90和19.[KG-*8]30头;而搜寻效应随猎物数量的增加而降低。在各供试条件下,捕食功能反应均符合Holling Ⅱ型方程;南方小花蝽成虫在小饲养容器中对西花蓟马若虫的瞬时攻击率最大,为1.[KG-*8]2794;而在大饲养容器中对西花蓟马成虫的瞬时攻击率最小,仅为0.[KG-*8]3506,其处理1头西花蓟马成虫的时间约需0.[KG-*8]0402 d,而处理1头若虫的时间仅需0.[KG-*8]0242 d。在相同的猎物数量下,南方小花蝽成虫在大饲养容器中对西花蓟马的日均捕食量均低于其在小饲养容器中对西花蓟马的日均捕食量。【结论与意义】南方小花蝽对西花蓟马有很强的捕食效能,对西花蓟马的种群消长具有一定控制作用。本研究旨在为应用南方小花蝽防治西花蓟马积累资料,同时为西花蓟马的综合治理奠定理论基础。     

麦蛾卵对南方小花蝽生长发育和繁殖的影响

南方小花蝽Orius strigicollis作为一种广食性捕食性天敌昆虫,可高效控制蓟马、蚜虫及螨类等多种害虫,极具生防潜能.但目前国内南方小花蝽商业化进程相对滞后,其中未找到适合的饲料来源是主要的限制因素之一.本研究以新鲜麦蛾Sitotroga cerealella卵和紫外线处理的麦蛾卵作为饲养南方小花蝽的替代猎物,以南方小花蝽的天然猎物西花蓟马Frankliniella occidentalis为对照,通过比较其发育历期、存活率及寿命等生物学指标,组建生命表来评价麦蛾卵对南方小花蝽的饲喂效果.结果发现:以新鲜麦蛾卵、紫外处理麦蛾卵和西花蓟马饲喂的南方小花蝽若虫发育历期均无显著性差异,但取食新鲜麦蛾卵的南方小花蝽若虫存活率(60.5％)高于其他两种猎物;同时,饲喂新鲜麦蛾卵的南方小花蝽雌虫寿命(37.3 d)和雄成虫寿命(23.0 d)以及产卵量(74.0粒)均最高,其次是紫外处理麦蛾卵,而西花蓟马最低;饲喂新鲜麦蛾卵的南方小花蝽存活率、净增殖率(47.91)、内禀增长率(0.10)、周限增长率(1.11)和世代平均周期(36.5 d)均大于饲喂紫外处理麦蛾卵和饲喂西花蓟马,且种群加倍时间也以饲喂新鲜麦蛾卵的南方小花蝽最短(6.57 d).本研究结果表明麦蛾卵可作为南方小花蝽饲养的替代猎物,且以新鲜麦蛾卵为最佳.     

南方小花蝽对不同猎物捕食作用及利用效率

室内用棉蚜,花蓟马及棉花花粉饲养南方小花蝽,通过对南方小花蝽捕食两种猎物及取食棉花花粉后的体重的增长以及同时段内对棉蚜,花蓟马及棉花花粉减少的量的测定,得到南方小花蝽取食不同食物后的生长速率及其对食物的利用效率,同时还研究了南方小花蝽成虫和若虫对混合猎物（棉蚜,棉铃虫卵,红铃虫卵）中各猎物的捕食作用及其在多猎物（红铃虫卵,棉叶螨成螨,花蓟马若虫）不同密度水平下的捕食效应。结果表明,棉蚜与花蓟马可以较好地满足南方小花蝽正常生长发育所需的营养,南方小花蝽对两种猎物的利用效率显著高于棉花花粉,在混合猎物中南方小花蝽成虫和若虫均嗜食棉蚜,其次为红铃虫卵和棉铃虫卵;对于同一种猎物,南方小花蝽成虫和若虫在高密度下的日平均捕食量均显著高于低猎物密度下的日平均捕食量,而对于同一密度的不同猎物,南方小花蝽在低猎物密度时对供试的3种猎物无明显的选择性,在中,高密度时对供试的3种猎物则表现出明显的嗜食性差异。其嗜好程度依次为红铃虫卵,花蓟马若虫,棉叶螨成螨,通过研究有助于更好地了解与掌握南方小花蝽对不同食物的需求及其在田间的食物转换规律,从而更好地进行南方小花蝽的室内人工大量饲养,使南方小花蝽更好地成为棉田害虫种群综合治理中的重要组成部分并发挥其应有的作用。     

利用功能反应模型评价球孢白僵菌对东亚小花蝽捕食二斑叶螨的影响

【目的】天敌昆虫和生防菌剂的应用都是害虫生物防治的有效手段,在生产中通过两者联合进行害虫的生物防治具有极强的应用前景和潜在的防控增效作用,然而生防菌对天敌的安全性评价是必不可少的。本研究旨在评估球孢白僵菌Beauveria bassiana与东亚小花蝽Orius sauteri联合应用进行害虫生物防治的可行性。【方法】测定了东亚小花蝽5龄若虫经2种不同浓度的球孢白僵菌孢悬液(常规浓度: 1×10⁷孢子/mL; 低浓度: 5×10³孢子/mL)和孢子粉(1×10⁷孢子/头)处理后成虫羽化率以及经上述处理后的东亚小花蝽5龄若虫对不同密度下的二斑叶螨Tetranychus urticae雌成螨的捕食能力。【结果】东亚小花蝽5龄若虫经白僵菌孢子粉(1×10⁷孢子/头)处理后,成虫羽化率显著降低,其余处理的成虫羽化率与对照无显著差异。3个处理组中东亚小花蝽5龄若虫对二斑叶螨雌成螨的捕食功能反应均符合HollingII型,搜寻效应随猎物密度增加逐渐降低。经低浓度球孢白僵菌孢悬液(5×10³孢子/mL)处理的东亚小花蝽5龄若虫的理论日最大捕食量(N_a-max)最高,猎物处理时间最短(T_h),搜寻效应回归线随猎物密度增加下降趋势最小;而球孢白僵菌孢子粉处理的东亚小花蝽5龄若虫理论日最大捕食量最低,猎物处理时间最长。【结论】低浓度的白僵菌孢悬液对东亚小花蝽5龄若虫对二斑叶螨雌成螨的捕食能力无影响,而孢子粉对该天敌5龄若虫捕食二斑叶螨雌成螨造成不利影响。本研究初步证明低浓度白僵菌孢悬液与东亚小花蝽联合应用防控二斑叶螨具有可行性。     

Predation by Allothrombium pulvinum on the spider mites Tetranychus urticae and Amphitetranychus viennensis: Predation Rate, Prey Preference and Functional Response

The deutonymphs of Allothrombium pulvinum Ewing (Acari: Trombidiidae) are among the most important natural enemies of spider mites in North, North East and West Iran. In this study, maximum predation rate and preference experiments were conducted with A. pulvinum deutonymphs on apple leaf discs, to determine their preference for either of two spider mite species: Amphitetranychus viennensis (Zacher) and Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). Maximum predation rate tests showed that the predatory mite consumed more eggs and females of T. urticae than of A. viennensis. Furthermore, the Manly’s preference index for eggs and females of T. urticae confirmed that T. urticae were the preferred prey. The functional response of A. pulvinum deutonymphs on females of T. urticae was examined over a 24-h period. Predation of A. pulvinum deutonymphs presented with females of T. urticae followed a type III functional response. Estimated handling time for the predatory mites was 4.51 h and attack coefficient b, which describes the changes in attack rate with prey densities in a type III functional response, was 0.021.     

Effect of cannibalism on predation,oviposition and longevity of the predacious mite,Agistemus exsertus Gonzalez (Acari: Stigmaeidae)

Cannibalism (intraspecific predation) on conspecific eggs was investigated in the predatory stigmaeid mite, Agistemus exsertus Gonzalez in the absence of eggs of Tetranychus urticae Koch (no-choice tests) and presence of three densities of prey eggs simultaneously (choice tests) in the laboratory. Data show that cannibalism occurs in immatures and adult females of the predator, which successfully developed and reproduced on conspecific eggs as an alternative prey in the absence of prey eggs. In no-choice tests, cannibalism rate on conspecific eggs by A. exsertus stages was significantly lower than the predation rate on T. urticae eggs. The predatory mite exhibited a marked decline in oviposition rate when preyed on conspecific eggs compared with feeding on prey eggs. The developmental duration and longevity of A. exsertus females were significantly longer 1.9 and 1.7 times, respectively, when fed on conspecific eggs than feeding on T. urticae eggs. The propensity of the predator towards cannibalism depends on the prey density, when T. urticae eggs and conspecific eggs are present simultaneously. Provision of increased densities of prey eggs significantly decreased cannibalism and predation by A. exsertus stages, which fed generally less on conspecific eggs than on T. urticae eggs in choice tests. The oviposition rate of the predator increased significantly, as the egg density of the prey increased. The developmental period and longevity of A. exsertus females showed significantly gradual shortness with increasing egg density of the prey.     

Macrolophus caliginosus: Functional response to whiteflies and preference and switching capacity between whiteflies and spider mites

Laboratory experiments were performed with adult female Macrolophus caliginosus Wagner (Heteroptera: Miridae) at 22ºC on bean plants to determine the functional response towards whiteflies, as well as the preference and switching capacity between the two prey species: whiteflies and spider mites. Predation of females presented with first instars of Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) was of a Type III functional response. The observed maximum predation was approximately 75 first instars at high prey densities within a 24-h period. The preference of M. caliginosus females between eggs of T. vaporariorum and Tetranychus urticaeKoch (Acarina: Tetranychidae) changed with the ratio of offered prey. The preference for T. vaporariorum eggs increased non-linearly with increasing proportions of this prey type. The average maximum predation of whitefly and spider mite eggs were approximately 166 and 111 eggs per day, respectively, at the highest ratio of the two preys. The proportion of M. caliginosus females found on the test plants at the end of the experiment increased with prey density suggesting that this mirid spends more time in areas with high prey density. Macrolophus caliginosus females are voracious predators of eggs and first instars of T. vaporariorum as well as of spider mite eggs and may thus be a valuable addition to existing methods of biological control of T. vaporariorum and T. urticae.     

Prey stage preference and feeding behaviour ofOligota kashmirica benefica (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), an insect predator of the spider miteTetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)

We studied the prey stage preference and feeding behaviour of the first to third instar larvae and adult females ofOligota kashmirica benefica Naomi (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), a predator of the spider miteTetranychus urticae Koch (red form) (Acari: Tetranychidae), on leaves of the kudzu vine (Pueraria lobata (Wild.) Ohwi (Leguminosae)) under laboratory conditions. The number of mites eaten increased with the growth of predator larvae. Third instar larvae preyed on all stages of spider mite, whereas first instar larvae preyed mainly on immobile stages (eggs and quiescent stages). The predator larvae showed two types of foraging behaviour (active searching and ambush behaviour) when targeting the mobile stages (larval nymph and adult stages of prey). Although no difference was found in the number of prey consumed by adult females and third instar larvae of the predator, the adult females mainly attacked and consumed the immobile stages.     

Interactions in the biological control of western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) and two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch by the predatory bug Orius insidiosus Say on beans

An omnivore shows preference to its preys and thus its control efficiency could be altered in different mix infestation system. The efficiency of Orius insidiosus for biocontrol of either Frankliniella occidentalis or Tetranychus urticae alone or for the two pests in combinations was studied on beans. When only mites or thrips were offered as prey, 1 or 2 O. insidiosus could considerably suppress pest populations at an initial density of 20, 40, and 80 adult female mites, and 100 and 160 thrips larvae, respectively. A single O. insidiosus was able to reduce mite populations by 52.9, 38.7, and 25.8% at initial densities of 20, 40, and 80 mites, respectively, two bugs achieved control levels of 60.6, 63.1, and 38.4%. Releases of 1 and 2 O. insidiosus resulted in corrected mortalities of 62.5 and 87.9%, and 46.3 and 71.9% in F. occidentalis at initial larval densities of 100 and 160, respectively. When two pests were simultaneously offered, the efficiency of O. insidiosus in controlling T. urticae markedly decreased. Furthermore, mite control decreased with increasing T. urticae densities and was also affected by the density of O. insidiosus. The presence of mites at initial densities of 20–80 females did not significantly influence thrips control by O. insidiosus. The presence of F. occidentalis resulted in higher oviposition by O. insidiosus females than the presence of mites, indicating that thrips are a more suitable resource than T. urticae for O. insidiosus. The implications for biocontrol of F. occidentalis and T. urticae are discussed.     

Absorption and cannibalism: do phytoseiids conserve egg resources when prey densities decline rapidly?

The number of eggs oviposited or left in the opisthosomas of dead mites (total eggs) was assessed for Metaseiulus occidentalis (Nesbitt), Neoseiulus fallacis (Garman), Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten or Amblyseius andersoni Chant when each was caged with either (1) no Tetranychus urticae Koch, (2) only odours of T. urticae, (3) ten eggs of M. occidentalis or (4) ten nymphs of M. occidentalis (T. pyri for M. occidentalis). The total eggs for the no prey versus odour tests did not differ within species; the levels were the greatest for N. fallacis > T. pyri > A. andersoni > M. occidentalis. Among treatments, egg means did not differ for M. occidentalis but they did for N. fallacis and T. pyri and similar trends were seen for A. andersoni. Egg means were usually less for mites held with ten predator nymphs than mites held with ten predator eggs or with no prey. Were adult females with nymphs absorbing rather than ovipositing their eggs or dying with them in their opisthosomas? Activity levels (walking) for adult females were no more for mites held with nymphs versus no food. The data indicated that interference by nymphs was not increasing the energy use of females and thus reducing egg levels. However, tests with ten nymphs, one egg and no adult female had egg losses from nymphal predation that could account for fewer eggs in cage tests. Overall, no evidence for absorption was found. If it occurs, it must be among younger eggs or mites exposed to less rapid prey losses than were the mites tested here; in addition, other stimuli may cause absorption. The total eggs in sticky-tape tests were greatest for N. fallacis > M. occidentalis > T. pyri > A. andersoni. Cage versus stick-tape data differed most for M. occidentalis because of cannibalism. All four mites cannibalized eggs but M. occidentalis did most rapidly and extensively. When starved, it laid all of its eggs before the other three species did. Such behaviours may enhance survival of M. occidentalis when prey become scarce.     

Predation capacity,development and reproduction of the southern African flower bugs Orius thripoborus and Orius naivashae (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) on various prey

The little-studied species Orius thripoborus (Hesse) and Orius naivashae (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) have potential as biological control agents of thrips pests in southern Africa, but may also hold promise for the control of other harmful arthropods. In this study, the predation capacity, development, reproduction and growth rates of both predatory species on the key pests Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Myzus persicae nicotianae Blackman (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were examined under laboratory conditions. Female adults of O. thripoborus and O. naivashae fed on 24 and 18 F. occidentalis 2nd instars, and 15 and 21 T. urticae eggs per day, respectively. Developmental and reproductive parameters of both Orius species were most favorable on F. occidentalis. Their intrinsic rates of increase (r_m) were highest when fed on F. occidentalis, averaging 0.123 and 0.131 females/female/day for O. thripoborus and O. naivashae, respectively. On the other prey, O. thripoborus showed significantly higher r_m-values than O. naivashae. Overall, r_m-values on M. persicae nicotianae were higher than on T. urticae, although differences were only significant for O. thripoborus. For O. naivashae, the estimated intrinsic rates of increase on the tested non-thrips prey were slightly negative. Our findings indicate the potential of both Orius spp. as biocontrol agents of thrips, whereas only O. thripoborus appears to hold promise for the suppression of aphids and spider mites as well.     

Comparison of the predation capacities of two soil-dwelling predatory mites,Gaeolaelaps aculeifer and Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Acari: Laelapidae), on three thrips species

Soil-dwelling predatory mites are natural enemies of various soil pest insects and mites. Both Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (Canestrini) and Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley) are commercialized natural enemies of thrips, but there is little information on the predation rate of these predatory mites on different thrips species. We compared their predation capacities on three thrips species, Frankliniella occidentalis, F. intonsa, and Thrips palmi, which are major pests of various horticultural plants. The predatory rate of G. aculeifer was higher than that of S. scimitus. Both predator species fed on more T. palmi thrips than F. occidentalis or F. intonsa thrips, which may be attributable to the smaller body size of T. palmi than the other thrips. Predation rates of female adults were 2.6–2.8 times higher than those of deutonymphs in both species. Predation rates were not separated according to the various developmental stages (i.e., second instar larva, pupa, or adult) of thrips; however, deutonymphs fed on fewer adults than larvae or pupae of F. occidentalis. Our results suggest that both G. aculeifer and S. scimitus are active predators that can prey during any of their developmental stages and on any species of thrips tested.     

Effects of single and dual species herbivory on the behavioral responses of three thrips species to cotton seedlings

This study investigated the olfactory responses of 3 thrips species [Frankliniella schultzei Trybom, F. occidentalis Pergrande and Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)] to cotton seedlings [Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvales: Malvaceae)] simultaneously damaged by different combinations of herbivores. Cotton seedlings were damaged by foliar feeding Tetranychus urticae Koch (Trombidiforms: Tetranychidae), Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) or root feeding Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Thrips responses to plants simultaneously damaged by 2 species of herbivore were additive and equivalent to the sum of the responses of thrips to plants damaged by single herbivore species feeding alone. For example, F. occidentalis was attracted to T. urticae damaged plants but more attracted to undamaged plants than to plants damaged by H. armigera. Plants simultaneously damaged by low densities of T. urticae and H. armigera repelled F. occidentalis but as T. urticae density increased relative to H. armigera density, F. occidentalis attraction to coinfested plants increased proportionally. Thrips tabaci did not discriminate between undamaged plants and plants damaged by H. armigera but were attracted to plants damaged by T. urticae alone or simultaneously damaged by T. urticae and H. armigera. Olfactometer assays showed that simultaneous feeding by 2 herbivores on a plant can affect predator–prey interactions. Attraction of F. occidentalis to plants damaged by its T. urticae prey was reduced when the plant was simultaneously damaged by H. armigera, T. molitor, or A. gossypii and F. schultzei was more attracted to plants simultaneously damaged by T. urticae and H. armigera than to plants damaged by T. urticae alone. We conclude that plant responses to feeding by 1 species of herbivore are affected by responses to feeding by other herbivores. These plant‐mediated interactions between herbivore complexes affect the behavioral responses of thrips which vary between species and are highly context dependent.