Influence of food on the life-history and functional response of Euseius stipulatus (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

[EN] The Perseae mite, Oligonychus perseae Tuttle, Baker & Ababatiello (Acari: Tetranychidae), constitutes a significant threat to avocado crops in the Canary Islands, often resulting in substantial economic losses for growers. Despite efforts to control this pest through the release of phytoseiid predators, particularly Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor), satisfactory control has not been achieved. The prevalence of the phytoseiid species Euseius stipulatus (Athias-Henriot) in avocado orchards suggests its potential as a biological control agent for managing O. perseae populations. This study evaluated the impact of diet, specifically Carpobrotus edulis pollen and O. perseae eggs, on the life cycle of E. stipulatus. The predator exhibited a notable preference for consuming eggs during its developmental stages. A type II functional response was observed in the predator, where the number of eggs consumed increased proportionally with the quantity offered. While E. stipulatus demonstrated the ability to sustain itself and reproduce by preying on O. perseae eggs, certain parameters such as longevity, fecundity, and oviposition time were significantly enhanced by pollen.