Temperature-dependent development of Chaetodactylus krombeini (Acari: Chaetodactylidae) associated with Osmia spp. (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

Chaetodactylus krombeini Baker (Acari: Chaetodactylidae) is a cleptoparasitic mite associated with Osmia spp. (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), which are important pollinators of fruit crops in the US. With recent decline of honey bee populations in the US, Osmia spp. has potential to serve as alternative or supplemental crop pollinators. However, C. krombeini became a key pest of Osmia spp. by negatively impacting the propagation and maintenance of Osmia spp.  With little known about its biology, this study was conducted to examine thermal biology of C. krombeini and to determine developmental parameters and operative thermal range.  Findings in this study are fundamental for better understanding the life cycles and population growth of C. krombeini, and thus for improving management tactics.