Oviposition model of Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Adult longevity, survival and fecundity of N. californicus were studied at 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36°C, 60-70% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h, and an oviposition model was developed. The longevity decreased exponentially as temperature increased, ranged from 46.7days at 16°C to 15.9days at 36°C. Total fecundity was dependent on temperature and was highest at 28~32°C. The female adult development rates (1/mean longevity) and age-specific was described by the Lactin1 model (r2=0.95). The relationship between total fecundity and temperature was described by Taylor model (r2=0.81). The age-specific cumulative survival rate was described by sigmoid equation (r2=0.81). The cumulative age-specific oviposition rate was well described by the three-parameter Weibull function (r2=0.98). The cumulative oviposition rate, total fecundity, and survival rate functions were incorporated into an oviposition model.