When do predatory mites (Phytoseiidae) attack? Understanding their diel and seasonal predation patterns

Abstract

Predatory mites of the Phytoseiidae family are considered one of the most important groups of natural enemies used in biological control. The behavioral patterns of arthropods can differ greatly daily and seasonally; however, there is a lack of literature related to Phytoseiidae diel and seasonal predation patterns. The predatory activity of three phytoseiid species (two Tetranychidae-specialists, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus, and one omnivore, Euseius stipulatus) that occur naturally in Spanish citrus orchards was observed under laboratory conditions in winter and summer. The temperature and photoperiod of the climatic chamber where the mites were reared did not change during the experiment. Our study demonstrates that phytoseiids can exhibit diel and seasonal predatory patterns when feeding on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae). Neoseiulus californicus was revealed to be a nocturnal predator in summer but diurnal in winter. In contrast, P. persimilis activity was maximal during the daytime, and E. stipulatus showed no clear daily predation patterns. The predatory patterns described in this study should be taken into account when designing laboratory studies and also in field samplings, especially when applying molecular techniques to unveil trophic relationships.

Can interactions among predators alter the natural regulation of an herbivore in a climate change scenario? The case of Tetranychus urticae and its predators in citrus

“…Moreover, as N. californicus is prone to seek refuge in citrus branches and trunks (Pérez-Sayas et al 2017), the results of the number phytoseiids recovered at the end of our assays should be taken with caution and, if possible, further assays digging on the same issue should consider not only the sampling of leaves but also branches and/or different times.…”

Tracking mite trophic interactions by multiplex PCR

“…In this case, the only conclusive evidence of predation is direct observation of prey consumption by a predator and identification of the prey remains within the predator's gut or faeces. Nevertheless, confirming trophic links under unaltered field conditions is hampered, especially when working on microarthropod species with cryptic lifestyles (i.e., nocturnal, hidden or elusive predation habits) . Moreover, in the case of microarthropods such as mites (Acari), microscopic analysis of the predator gut content should be discarded as they engage in extra‐oral digestion and/or fluid feeding .…”

Reproducing during Heat Waves: Influence of Juvenile and Adult Environment on Fecundity of a Pest Mite and Its Predator

“…For biological control in crop systems, the key question is whether a predator leaving a prey patch will survive until it succeeds in finding a suitable prey patch, which is a prerequisite for long-term biocontrol based on metapopulation dynamics [ 84 ]. Under lab conditions of constant temperatures and photoperiod , P. persimilis exhibits a diel predation pattern that seems to be affected by daytime: In summer, feeding activities are reduced around midday and reach their maximum in the late afternoon [ 85 ]. It needs further investigations to evaluate whether such feeding behavior is inherently coupled with the need to avoid high temperatures, which usually occur around noon, and to return to the prey patches in the afternoon when the climatic conditions here are more comfortable again.…”