Comparative morphological and biological studies of two Eupodid Mites : Benoinyssus Momeni and Eupodes Bakeri

Abstract

The two eupodid species, Benoinyssus momeni and Eupodes bakeri. successfully reproduced and developed, when fed on either yeast, Fusarium oxysporum (Schlecht.) or fusarium solani(Maτt.). They passed through egg, larva, proto -, deuto -, tritonymph and adult stages. The durations of the immature and adult stages, as well as life table parameters were determined. Yeast and F. oxysporum gave the highest reproductive rate as compered to feeding on F. solani. Ontogenetic setal development in the comparative study of the two eupodid life stages indicated that the dorsal idiosomal chaetotaxy and number of pseudanal setae remained unchanged throughout life cycle. The increase in genital flap length at each moult is accompained by an increase in the number of setae situated on the flaps and the number of these setae provides the simplest method of separating the nymphal stages. The cheatotaxy of coxae and trochanters also provide a method to separate nymphal stages.