Development and reproduction of the predatory mitesKampimodromus aberrans, Typhlodromus pyri and Amblyseius andersonion different food sources

Abstract: Kampimodromus aberrans, Typhlodromus pyri and Amblyseius andersoni, importantpredatory mites in European vineyards, were reared in the laboratory on five potential foodsources: the herbivores Panonychus ulmi and Eotetranychus carpini, the non-specialized feederTydeus caudatus, the pollen of Typha latifolia, and the mycelium of grape downy mildewPlasmopara viticola. Experiments were conducted using grape leaves as a substrate. Thedevelopmental times, survival and fecundity of predatory mites were determined on each foodtype. None of these species developed on T. caudatus. Developmental times of K. aberrans andT. pyri were faster on pollen than on spider mites or P. viticola mycelium. The fecundity ofK. aberrans and T. pyri was higher on pollen than on other foods. Amblyseius andersonideveloped faster on pollen than on P. ulmi or P. viticola mycelium, and showed a low fecundityon P. viticola mycelium.