Does diet affect morphological parameters of Neoseiulus tunus (De Leon) (Acari: Phytoseiidae)?

Neoseiulus Hughes is one of the most diverse genus Phytoseiidae, with approximately 400 described species. Among them, tunus (De Leon) very frequent and abundant in Neotropical region. Although considerable amount data about morphological variation phytoseiid mites are available, possible causes intraspecific variations still poorly understood, being diet feeding habit usually reported as main drivers. The present study investigated influence three different diets on traits taxonomic interest N. tunus, aiming to verify whether a determinant factor pattern this species which structures affected by them. Our results show that based treatment, populations may be differentiated size traits. All treatments differ from stock population among except between Aculops lycopersici (Massee) (Eriophyidae) Tetranychus urticae (Kock) (Tetranychidae). widest range occurred dorsal setae, macrosetae leg IV, width shield, distance bases genital’s setae posterior ventrianal shield. Most responded treatment significant variation, longest lengths observed when A. was offered diet. Considering other two diets, does not clear increasing or reducing pattern.