Predation of Tyrophagus similis Volgin (Acari: Acaridae) by female Hypoaspis (Euandrolaelaps) yamauchii Ishikawa (Acari: Laelapidae) at constant temperatures. (in Japanese)

Abstract

We examined how Hypoaspis (Euandrolaelaps) yamauchii Ishikawa (Acari: Laelapidae), collected from accumulated rice husk in Hokkaido, northern Japan, preyed on Tyrophagus similis Volgin (Acari: Acaridae) at constant temperatures. An adult female H. yamauchii preyed on T. similis of any stage except for the egg and consumed an average of 16.1 ± 5.3 tritonymphs at 20°C during a 24-h experimental period. The ambient temperatures of 20°C and 25°C were suitable, whereas those of 15°C and 30°C were unsuitable for predation. At temperatures of 15-25°C, H. yamauchii survived for 21 days under fasting condition. These mites preyed on T. similis adults and laid eggs after the 96-h post-fast feeding at 20°C.