Candidate predators for biological control of the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae

Lesna, I.K.A.; Wolfs, Peter; Faraji, Farid; Roy, Lise; Komdeur, Jan; Sabelis, Maurice W.

doi:10.1007/978-90-481-2731-3_8

Cited by 21 publications

(41 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…Whereas negative effects of other parasitic mites, like DG, have been demonstrated with respect to host reproductive success, the adverse effects of AC on reproductive output and development in birds remain unclear (Pacejka et al 1998;Pung et al 2000). As such, AC is able to influence and control ectoparasite populations in the nests of holebreeding birds, in our case, the European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) and in (at least some types of) poultry houses (Lesna et al 2009;Sabelis et al 2010) Thus, to quantify the ectoparasite load imposed on birds, it is necessary to identify and count genuine ectoparasites over the entire period of nestling development. Usually, only a snapshot of ectoparasite load can be obtained (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 89%

“…Men 1959;Barker 1968;Radovsky 1985Radovsky , 1994Pacejka et al 1998;Pung et al 2000). However, an experimental study showed that this mite cannot directly obtain blood from a living bird, but only indirectly by feeding on free blood droplets or on a true ectoparasite of birds, like DG (Lesna et al 2009). Whereas negative effects of other parasitic mites, like DG, have been demonstrated with respect to host reproductive success, the adverse effects of AC on reproductive output and development in birds remain unclear (Pacejka et al 1998;Pung et al 2000).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…the cosmopolitan nest mite Androlaelaps casalis. We use the European Starling as a model species, because their nests contain DG and AC, both dominant species of nidicolous mites in these nests (Lesna et al 2009). We build on our previous discovery that A. casalis is a true predator of D. gallinae and not a parasite of birds (Lesna et al 2009).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We use the European Starling as a model species, because their nests contain DG and AC, both dominant species of nidicolous mites in these nests (Lesna et al 2009). We build on our previous discovery that A. casalis is a true predator of D. gallinae and not a parasite of birds (Lesna et al 2009). To assess the association between nestling development and mite densities, we measured the condition of the same nestlings at two different times after hatching (days 10 and 17) and related this to parasitic and predatory mite densities in the nest measured immediately after fledging (day 23), in order not to disturb the trophic structure of mites inhabiting the nest when nestlings were still present.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Trophic structure of arthropods in Starling nests matter to blood parasites and thereby to nestling development

et al. 2012

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Nestling development and long-term survival in many bird species depend on factors such as parental feeding, time of breeding and environmental conditions. However, little research has been carried out on the effect of ectoparasites on nestling development, and no research on the impact of the trophic structure of arthropods inhabiting the nest (combined effects of ectoparasitic mites and predatory mites feeding on ectoparasites). We assess nestling development of European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in relation to the number of parasitic mites Dermanyssus gallinae (DG, a blood-sucking mite) and their predators, i.e. Androlaelaps casalis (AC), both dominant species of nidicolous arthropods in Starling nests. DG densities were not associated with nestling body mass or tarsus length during development (10 and 17 days of age), which contradicts our expectation that parasitic mites negatively influence growth. Furthermore, an increase in AC densities was associated with a significant decrease in body mass (not tarsus length) later during nestling development (at day 17-a proxy for nestling age-but not at day 10). The latter seems counterintuitive, but not when the inherent density-dependent delays in Lotka-Volterra predator-prey interactions are taken into account: a high density of predatory mites (AC) always arises after an increase of prey mites (DG). Thus, the high density of predatory mites indicates a preceding peak density of parasitic mites. Clearly, this explanation requires insight in the trophic structure of mites inhabiting Starling nests and bird nests in general. We conclude that multitrophic interactions (between predator, parasite and host) in nests should not be ignored when assessing nestling development.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 89%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Trophic structure of arthropods in Starling nests matter to blood parasites and thereby to nestling development

et al. 2012

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“…Numerous authors have reported the occurrence of the predatory mite Cheyletus eruditus in poultry houses where this species has been observed feeding on juvenile D. gallinae (Lesna et al, 2009). Releases of C. eruditus have not provided control of D. gallinae in experiments to date, although additional research has identified a further two predatory mite species (Hypoaspis aculeifer and Androlaelaps casalis) with D. gallinae management potential (Lesna et al, 2009). It is possible that other predatory species aside from mites would also prey upon D. gallinae, although mass-rearing and release of species such as predatory beetles would be more difficult to achieve.…”

Section: Natural Enemiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Opportunities for integrated pest management to control the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae

Harrington

George

Guy

et al. 2011

World's Poultry Science Journal

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Dermanyssus gallinae is the most economically important ectoparasite of laying hens in Europe. Control of D. gallinae is already hampered by issues of pesticide resistance and product withdrawal. With the prohibition of conventional cages in 2012 and the resulting switch to more structurally complex housing which favours red mite, the importance of managing this pest is expected to increase. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), as often employed in agricultural pest control, may be a way to address these issues where a combination of different novel control methods could be used with/without conventional management techniques to provide a synergistic and more efficacious effect. Work at in our laboratory has shown that essential oils, including thyme and garlic, may act as effective D. gallinae repellents and acaricides, whilst preliminary vaccine studies have demonstrated a significant increase in mite mortality in vitro using concealed antigens. Work elsewhere has considered predators and fungi for D. gallinae control and other husbandry techniques such as manipulating temperature and lighting regimes in poultry units. This paper will review the available and emerging techniques for D. gallinae control and discuss which techniques might be suitable for inclusion in an integrated management programme (e.g. synthetic acaricides and diatomaceous earths).

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Predation interactions among henhouse‐dwelling arthropods, with a focus on the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae

Zriki

Blatrix

Roy

2020

Pest Management Science

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BACKGROUND: Analysis of the poorly explored food webs of henhouse-dwelling arthropods would improve biological control against the poultry red mite (PRM) Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer). This study aimed to identify trophic links among native predatory arthropods, PRM, and alternative preys. In vitro predation tests were carried out to assess (i) the ability of native predators to feed on PRM juvenile and adult stages in two physiological statuses (unfed and freshly blood-fed) in the absence of any physical barrier, (ii) predator preferences between PRM and astigmatic mites, and (iii) predation interactions between PRM predators. RESULTS: Ten arthropod taxa fed on PRM with predation rates ranging from 4% to 95% in our experimental conditions. They belonged to (i) Acari: Androlaelaps casalis (Berlese), Cheyletus spp., Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli), M. penicilliger (Berlese), Parasitus fimetorum (Berlese), Dendrolaelaps spp. and Uroobovella fimicola (Berlese); (ii) other Arachnida: Lamprochernes nodosus (Schrank) (Pseudoscorpionida) and a linyphiid spider; and (iii) Insecta: Lyctocoris campestris (Fabricius). These predators varied in their preference for PRM stages and physiological statuses (unfed or freshly blood-fed). When given a choice, most predators preferred to feed on PRM than astigmatic mites. Bidirectional predation occurred within two pairs of PRM predators (M. penicilliger-Lamprochernes nodosus and A. casalis-Cheyletus spp.), and M. penicilliger had a 100% predation rate on A. casalis. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the potential of various arthropod predators occurring naturally in poultry houses for conservation and augmentative biological control of PRM. Predation interactions between these predators should be accounted for before developing biocontrol agents against PRM.

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Candidate predators for biological control of the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae

Cited by 21 publications

References 31 publications

Trophic structure of arthropods in Starling nests matter to blood parasites and thereby to nestling development

Trophic structure of arthropods in Starling nests matter to blood parasites and thereby to nestling development

Opportunities for integrated pest management to control the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae

Predation interactions among henhouse‐dwelling arthropods, with a focus on the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae

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