| The postembryonic development, consumption and life table parameters of Cydnodromus picanus Ragusa and Phytoseiulus persimilis (Athias-Henriot) were studied at 29.44 ± 1.47 °C and 42.35 ± 5.01% of RH with a photoperiod of 14:10 h (L:D) in order to evaluate the potential of these predators for feeding on the carmine spider mite Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval). Eggs, larvae and protonymphs of T cinnabarinus may be optimal food for C. picanus, which obtained survival rates of 100%, 97% and 93%, respectively, on them. The survival of P persimilis was around 6.7% with diets based on eggs, larvae and protonymphs, showing a high mortality level by dehydration when fed with eggs. The time of the postembryonic development was significantly shorter (p <... |
