Biology of Amblyseius largoensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) when feeding on the red palm mite, Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)

The red palm mite (RPM), Raoiella indica Hirst. (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), is an important pest of palms (Arecaceae) and other species within the Zingiberaceae, Musaceae and Strelitziaceae families. RPM was discovered in the US in Florida (Palm Beach and Broward counties) during late 2007, and subsequently spread to other Florida counties. The predatory mite Amblyseius largoensis Muma (Acari: Phytoseiidae) has been found associated with the RPM in Florida. In order to verify whether A. largoensis can develop and reproduce when feeding exclusively on R. indica, the biology of this predator was evaluated on different food sources, including R. indica. Five types of diet [R. indica, Tetranychus gloveri Banks¸ Aonidiella orientalis (Newstead), Nipaecocus nipae (Maskell), oak (Quercus virginiana Mill) pollen] and no food were tested to determine its development, survivorship, oviposition, sex ratio and longevity at 26.5 ± 1°C, RH 70 ± 5 % under a 12:12 L:D photophase. Amblyseius largoensis was able to complete its life cycle and reproduce when feeding exclusively on R. indica. The duration of the immature development was shorter and fecundity and survivorship were higher when feeding on R. indica compared to the other food sources. These results suggest that, despite earlier assessments, A. largoensis can play a role in controlling R. indica.