The functional response of Cheyletus malaccensis (Acari: Cheyletidae)to various densities of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs

Abstract: The functional response of protonymphs, adult females and males of the predatorymite Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans, to increasing density of eggs of the mediterranean flourmoth Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, was determined. The predation trials were conducted over a24-h period in environmental incubators at 25±1°C and 80±5% r.h. without light. Four preydensities (3, 5, 10, 15 eggs per arena) were tested. The results showed that the type of functionalresponse curve for females, males and protonymphs of C. malaccensis followed the type II curve,as predicted by Holling’s disc equation. The female adults of C. malaccensis were the mosteffective predatory stage, whereas no significant differences were noted between protonymphsand adult males.