Development and life history parameters of Typhlodromus recki (Acari: Phytoseiidae) feeding on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) at different temperatures

Typhlodromus recki (Acari: Phytoseiidae) was collected from aubergines, pepper, black nightshade and jimsonweed plants infested with spider mites from a pesticide-free vegetable garden in Denizli, Turkey. The biology and life table parameters for T. recki feeding on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) at different temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 degrees C) were determined. The results showed that total preadult periods of T. recki at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 degrees C were 19.6 +/- 0.51, 9.4 +/- 0.16, 7.6 +/- 0.14, 5.7 +/- 0.14 and 4.5 +/- 0.08 days, respectively. The longest oviposition period was 23.5 days at 20 degrees C. Total fecundity of T. recki significantly differed between the constant temperatures and the highest was observed at 20 degrees C (28.6 eggs/female) and 25 degrees C (23.5 eggs/female). Although females survived for 26 days at 35 degrees C, only four females laid eggs for 1 day. Thus, 35 degrees C is not suitable for the reproduction of T. recki. Total longevity of female was the longest at 15 degrees C (59.5 days) and 20 degrees C (51.3 days) whereas male total longevity was the longest at 15 degrees C (53.2 days). The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (lambda) were numerically the highest at 30 degrees C (0.17 and 1.18 d(-1)), but there was no statistical difference observed between 25 and 30 degrees C for both r and lambda values. The net productive rate was significantly highest at 20, 25 and 30 degrees C. The longest mean generation time occurred at 15 degrees C (42.6 days) and the shortest was at 35 degrees C (8.0 days). After some field trials, Typhlodromus recki could potentially be considered in the biological control agent of T. urticae.