Reproductive Responses of the Broad Mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Acari: Tarsonemidae), to Constant Temperature-Humidity Regimes

Author： JONES V. P. BROWN R. D.

Publisher： Entomological Society of America

ISSN： 1938-2901

Source： Annals of the Entomological Society of America, Vol.76, Iss.3, 1983-05, pp. : 466-469

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Abstract

Reproductive responses of the broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), to various temperature-humidity combinations were investigated by measuring egg production and population increase per generation. Multiple regression analysis was used to fit curves to the data. The equation used to predict egg production indicated that 23.7°C was the optimum temperature for egg laying, and that 12° to 14°C and 33° to 35°C were the respective lower and upper theoretical thresholds. Population increase was greatest at 20°C and 90% RH. Temperatures above 30°C coupled with low humidities were lethal to the egg and nymphal stages. Temperature-humidity tolerances are discussed in relation to population trends and distribution of this mite in southern California.