Consumption rate, functional response and preference of the predaceous mite Iphiseius degenerans to Tetranychus urticae and Eutetranychus orientalis

The functional response of females of the phytoseiid mite, Iphiseius degenerans (Berlese), to increasing densities of females of its prey, Tetranychus urticae Koch and Eutetranychus orientalis Klein, on bean leaves, were studied under laboratory conditions. Our results indicated that the predator consumed significantly more items of E. orientalis than of T. urticae at all densities treatments. Daily consumption of the predator increased with increasing prey density until a plateau was reached—maximum number of prey consumed was ca. 4 for T. urticae and ca. 12 for E. orientalis. A Type II functional response was determined by a logistic regression model. The highest estimated value a (instantaneous rate of attack) and the lowest value of T h (handling time) were found for the predator feeding on E. orientalis. Prey selection was evaluated by simultaneously presenting both prey species to the predator in various ratios and at increasing densities. I. degenerans showed a higher predation rate and higher preference for E. orientalis at all the ratios and prey densities tested. This may be due to the smaller size or the inactivity of E. orientalis and the inability of the predator to cope with the webbing of T. urticae. Our results suggest that I. degenerans can be considered a suitable biological control candidate based on its preference for E. orientalis in the Mediterranean region.