Functional and numerical responses of the predatory mite Amblyseius aerialis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to Aceria guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae)

The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer, is one of the main pests tree (Cocos nucifera L.) worldwide. Its control mainly based on use acaricides. However, due to habitat this pest which protected by fruit bracts that act as a physical barrier, chemical often inefficient. Thus, natural enemies have been studied an alternative We evaluated functional and numerical responses Amblyseius aerialis (Muma) increasing densities A. (40, 80, 160, 240 360) additionally oviposition rates phytoseiid over 11 days different food sources: pollen, mix pollen guerreronis. Our results showed type III response, where prey consumption density increased, with maximum up 175 per predator. All allowed female oviposition. number eggs laid increased stabilized between 360 individuals, average 1.7 eggs/female. Furthermore, our all sources (coconut guerreronis) supported mean was approximately 1.5 eggs/female sources. study suggests can be effective in biological further studies are needed investigate whether explore if support development immature stages reproduction aerialis.