Predation and oviposition rates of Gaeolaelaps aculeifer and Parasitus bituberosus (Acari: Laelapidae and Parasitidae) on pre-pupae/pupae of Thrips tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Thrips tabaci Lindeman is one of the main insect pests onion (Allium cepa L.) in Colombia and several other countries. Strategies for its control are currently based on use chemical products. In a recent survey, Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (Canestrini) Parasitus bituberosus Karg, two soil-dwelling predatory mite species (Acari: Mesostigmata), were found associated with this crop at Boyacá department, Colombia. Given that T. spends pre-pupal pupal stages soil, study was conducted to evaluate predation oviposition G. P. these developmental under laboratory conditions. The predators consumed up 6.8 ± 0.52 6.9 0.45 pre-pupae/ pupae, respectively, when offered 6 –10 prey day. maximum rates 4.4 0.25 eggs/female/day 0.26 bituberosus, mean egg viability higher than 91% both predators. These results suggest evaluated may affect population field conditions, conduction complementary studies those warranted, envisioning their practical