Life history traits of Blattisocius keegani reared on navel orangeworm with potential for biological control in orchards

Blattisocius keegani (Mesostigmata: Ascidae) is a predatory mite that has traditionally been studied as a biological control agent in stored products. Here we evaluate life history characteristics of B. keegani for potential as a biological control agent of navel orangeworm in orchard crops. Development and fecundity of B. keegani on fresh and frozen (at 0 and -20°C) Amyelois transitella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs was assessed under room temperature (25°C) and high heat (32.2°C) conditions at 16:8 [L:D]. We also investigated adult moth bodies as a resource affecting B. keegani fecundity. B. keegani developed at both temperature treatments but initial survival was higher at room temperature. B. keegani fecundity was highest when the mites were provided with both moth bodies and fresh eggs, next when provided with fresh eggs alone, and was significantly lower on frozen eggs (F_{[3, 32]}=9.25, p=.0002). There was no significant difference in fecundity of B. keegani reared on A. transitella eggs stored at 0 or -20°C.