STUDIES ON SOME MITES WITH SPECIAL REFEUENCE TO MITES OF SUBORDER ACTINEDIDA

Abstract

In Egypt, many Agricultural substances are imported from several countries. Samples of these materials were examined and found that they harbored many mite species belonged to Bdellidae, Cheyletidae, Cunaxidae, Eupodidae, Pygmephoridae, Smarididae, Stigmaeidae, Tarsonemidae, Tetranychidae and Trombiculidae: (Suborder Actinedida, Order Acarifonnes); Ascidae, Amerosseiidae, Dermanyssidae, Laelapidae, Liroaspidae, Macrochelidae, Ologamasidae, Parasitidae, Phytseiidae, Rhodacaridae and Uropoididae (Suborder Gamasida Order Parasitiformes) Acaridae, Anoetidae; (Suborder Acaridida; Order Acariformes); Oribatulidae (Suborder Oribatida Order Acariformes).

The present study was carried out on the predator Agistermus exsertus, the most common mite species inhabiting the imported materials, to throw light on further biological aspects and its economic importance.

1. The predator, A. exsertus, consumed white fly eggs, nymphs of white fly, and eggs of tetranychid mites.

2. All predator stages could tolerate a maximum temperature of 50°C and minimum temperature of- 8°C.

3. Staryation period was calculated for the immature and adult stages.

4. In the laboratory it was noticed that the age of female and male had no effect on the sex ratio which was 1: 1.3 (male: female).

5. The population dyanimcs ofthe predator on lantana hedges, surrounding a vegetable farm, at three levels (top, middle

and bottom) was estimated during one season.

6. Mass rearing of the predator was successfully obtained when it was reared in a Petri-dish supplied daily with fresh corn, castor bean and date palm pollen grains.