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Laboratory studies on the role of an egg predator, Blattisocius tarsalis (Berlese) (Acari: Ascidae), in relation to the natural control of Ephestia Cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Warehouses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

C. P. Haines
C. P. Haines
Affiliation:
Tropical Stored Products Centre (Tropical Products Institute), Slough, Berks., UK
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Abstract

Effective control of Ephestia cautella (Wlk.) by Blattisocius tarsalis (Berl.) has occasionally been observed in warehouses. It has been postulated that this control is negated by fumigation under sheets, because of differential effects on the moth and its predator, and removal of alternative prey. The biology of B. tarsalis was studied at 27°C and 73% RH. On eggs of E. cautella, development took 5·9 days and there was 7% mortality; on eggs of Tribolium oastaneum (Hbst.), development took 7·4 days and there was 48% mortality. When offered a choice of eggs of the two pest species, the mites very rarely preyed on those of T. castaneum. The number of E. cautella eggs consumed (after correction for partial consumption) was 3·8 (total) by nymphs, 2·4/day by ovipositing females, 1·5/day by non-ovipositing females, and 0·8/day by males. The sex ratio (female: male) was 2·5:1. Adult life-span averaged about 55 days (maximum 153 days), and the oviposition period lasted about 20 days. Females laid up to 5 eggs/day at peak oviposition. The potential rate of increase of B. tarsalis on E. cautella eggs was very high, far exceeding that of its prey. These data confirm previous postulates concerning the role of B. tarsalis in natural control of E. cautella, and support the hypothesis that fumigation reduces predator-effectiveness. Modification of control regimes might allow greater natural control by the mite and reduce the increasing pest status of the moth.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 71 , Issue 4 , December 1981 , pp. 557 - 574
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1981

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