Experienced generation-dependent functional and numerical responses of Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) long-term reared on thorn apple pollen

The functional and numerical responses of the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Phytoseiidae) females reared on thorn apple pollen (Datura stramonium L.) over 40 generations different densities (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 128) deutonymphs Tetranychus urticae Koch (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) were determined. results indicated a type II response for N. T. in G0 (no rearing as control), G10, G20, G30, G40. attack rate (α) increased number from (0.079 h<sup>-1</sup>) to G20 (0.182 h<sup>-1</sup>), then decreased G30 longest shortest handling time (T<sub>h</sub>) was observed (1.670 h) G40 (0.890 h), respectively. highest value maximum (T/T<sub>h</sub>) estimated (26.96 prey/day). equation regression line showed that relationship between prey density eggs laid significant G0, G10 G40, deposited by with increasing prey. ECI (the efficiency conversion ingested food) not tested generations. Our findings show long-term did affect confirming this predator is an effective biological control agent against urticae.