Age-gender-specific functional and age-specific numerical responses of Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on two-spotted spider mite.

The phytoseiid predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) is one of the most efficient biocontrol agents in integrated pest management (IPM) programs of greenhouse pests, with different feeding habits on pollen, thrips, eriophyiids, and spider mites. This study appraised the effect of the age and gender on functional response and age on numerical response of N. californicus fed on larvae and protonymph of Tetranychus urticae Koch under laboratory conditions at 25 ± 1 ℃, 70 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16L: 8D h.