Development, survival, and reproduction of Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) feeding on fresh versus frozen eggs of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot is an important biocontrol agent for controlling spider mites (Tetranychus spp). Rearing P. relatively expensive due to the need raise (e.g. Tetranychus urticae Koch), as prey, on live plants. Frozen eggs of T. can be easily stored and used a potential feed laboratory rearing persimilis. This study investigated performance frozen compared with fresh food Under conditions, survival, immature development, consumption, oviposition given or were observed. The influence dietary experience females (i.e. fed mite eggs) offspring’s development consumption was also examined. survival not affected by different diets. However, individuals had reduced rate increased those eggs. maternal did affect As nutritional quality likely during freezing, may inadequate in Nevertheless, have supplementary Future studies investigate lifespan lifetime fecundity maintaining population field.