Age‐ and temperature‐dependent oviposition model of Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) with Tetranychus urticae as prey

In this study, we developed an oviposition model of Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) with Tetranychus urticae Koch as prey. To obtain data for the model, we investigated the longevity, fecundity and survivorship of adult female N.californicus at six constant temperatures (16, 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36 degrees C), 6070% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. Longevity (average +/- SE) decreased as temperature increased and was longest at 16 degrees C (46.7 +/- 5.25days) and shortest at 36 degrees C (12.8 +/- 0.75days). Adult developmental rate (1/average longevity) was described by the Lactin 1 model (r2=0.95). The oviposition period (average +/- SE) was also longest at 16 degrees C (29.8 +/- 2.93days) and shortest at 36 degrees C (6.7 +/- 0.54days). Fecundity (average +/- SE) was greatest at 24 degrees C (43.8 +/- 3.23 eggs) and lowest at 36 degrees C (15.9 +/- 1.50 eggs). The oviposition model comprised temperature-dependent fecundity, age-specific cumulative oviposition rate and age-specific survival rate functions. The temperature-dependent fecundity was best described by an exponential equation (r2=0.81). The age-specific cumulative oviposition rate was best described by the three-parameter Weibull function (r2=0.96). The age-specific survival rate was best described by a reverse sigmoid function (r2=0.85).