Intraguild predation in three generalist predatory mites of the family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Abstract Background The predatory mites, Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor), N. barkeri (Hughes), and Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot, are important predators attacking many insect mite pests. They can coexist in the same habitat engage intraguild predation (IGP). Main body IGP was assessed among exotic one native species A. as Intraguild predator (IG-predator)/intraguild prey (IG-prey) either absence or presence of extra-guild Tetranychus urticae Koch (EG-prey). In laboratory, physiological parameters, longevity, fecundity, rate these mites’ females, fed on EG-prey, were evaluated, where phytoseiid larvae considered combined IG-prey with EG-prey. All consumed larval stages each other’s, but case , females failed to sustain oviposition larvae. Also, it noticed that killed 3 times more than N . larvae, whereas respectively. lived longer T. while latter survived T only other combinations shorter when exclusively EG-prey IG-prey. choice experiments, showed a higher preference consume any comparison between diets definite influence fecundity IG-prey, equal Conclusion seemed be strongest IG-predator.