Impact of relative humidity and water availability on the life history of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii

The predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is currently used as an efficient biological control agent of thrips, whiteflies and spider mites, which are economically damaging pests ornamental plants vegetable crops grown in greenhouses fields worldwide. Currently, the effects relative humidity (RH) water availability on optimal growth A. unknown. Here, we test combined different levels RH (33%, 53%, 73% 92%) development reproduction male female feeding dried fruit mite, Carpoglyphus lactis (Linnaeus). While eggs failed to hatch at 33% RH, survival rates immature stages ≥ 53% increased solely response not due changes RH. Regarding development, low extended egg–adult duration pre-oviposition period. We also found that negative fecundity were partially or completely eliminated when drinking was available. For life table parameters, highest values net reproductive rate (R0) intrinsic natural increase (r) achieved Overall, mitigated effect reproduction, more sensitive than development. Lastly, a comparison similar research suggested influential r food source temperature.