Biology of Craetopycrus cornutus (GRAVENHORST), (Coleoptera : Staphylinidae) and Its Associated Species of Mite of the Genus Pygmephorus (Acarina : Pyemotidae)

Abstract

Craetopycrus cornutus and its associated species of mite of the genus Pygmephorus were recorded for the first time in Irap. The characters of various stages of the beetle were noted, measurements on these were done and certain aspects of life cycle were worked out. Incidence of the parasitic mite on the beetle host during 1966-67 was observed and the host-parasite relation and pathology were discussed. A series of measurements on the nymphal and adult stages well carried out and on the basis of laboratory and field observations the life cycle of the mite was suggested.