Foraging behaviors of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot and Euseius scutalis (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) feed on the invasive pest, Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein) (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract Background Recent population outbreaks of citrus brown mite, Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein) (Acari: Tetranychidae), were observed in the Çukurova region, a region that supplies approximately 80% total production Turkey. Therefore, to obtain preliminary data, regarding biological control this pest, functional and numerical responses two commonly found predatory mites, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot Euseius scutalis (Athias-Henriot) (Phytoseiidae) orchards, egg protonymph stages E. determined under laboratory conditions. Results In experiments, six different prey densities (1, 5, 10, 20, 40 80) for each selected stage provided mite 24 h. According results, proportion consumed by A . decreased with increasing densities. Similarly, consumption E densities, but predator showed no discernible response A. exhibited type II both stages, whereas only prey. The attack rate ( α ) handling time Th varied between also species. highest (0.066 h −1 lowest (0.536 h) values when was fed on curves be similar those Type response. efficiency conversion ingested food (ECI) species females tested density increased. average daily mean number eggs laid as 0.20 1.40 it protonymphs its prey, respectively. Conclusion Both evaluated potential promising agents sustainable orchards.