Variance and covariance of ovipositional rates and developmental rates in the Phytoseidae (Acari: Mesostigmata): a phylogenetic consideration

Variance and covariance of ovipositional rates and developmental rates in the Phytoseiidae were analysed using comparative methods which consider phylogenetic effects. Nested analysis of variance showed that mean ovipositional rates and developmental rates of phytoseiid mites varied significantly between subfamilies, among genera within subfamilies, among subgenera within genera and among species within subgenera. For example, the mean ovipositional rate (eggs per day) was higher in the Amblyseiinae (2.04) than in the Phytoseiinae (1.39) and within the Amblyseiinae, it was higher in the genus Phytoseiulus (2.66) than in Amblyseius (1.80). Regressions using mean values of subgenera or higher taxa to account for phylogenetic effects showed significant correlation between mean ovipositional rates and developmental rates. The implications of this analysis for selecting species for future comparative analysis of phytoseiid life history variation are discussed.