Voracity of Three Predators on Two-Spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus Urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Their Developmental Stages

Three predators Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, Stethorus punctillum Weise and Scolothrips sexmaculatus Pergande, were used to test their voracity on two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch in laboratory condition.The daily consumption of different stages of predators on the different stages of preys were observed. In addition, the developmental stages of these predators were also observed. It prevailed that all the three predators consumed more eggs and immature than adult two-spotted spider mite. The six spotted thrips S. sexmaculatus the only predatory thrips developed to adult within 8.53±0.11 days at temperature 29.98°C and 67.99% relative humidity. P. persimilis life cycle completed within 6.00±0.14 days temperature 30.27°C and 76.60% relative humidity. The egg of S. punctillum developed to adult within 14.67±0.17 days temperature 29.18°C and 82.13% relative humidity. All the three predators are effective prodator of T. urticae and may be used as bio-control agents against two-spotted spider mite.