Studies on life history and feeding behaviour of Cunaxa setirostris (Hermann)(Acarina:Cunaxidae under laboratory conditions)

Abstract

The aim of present study is to record the cunaxid mites and to observe the developmental stages and feeding behaviour of Cunaxa setirostris (Hermann) on the most injurious mite (Tetranychus ludeni Zacker) of Varanasi region of eastern Uttar Pradesh. During the survey, five species of T. cunaxid mites were collected from twenty different plants. The female of C. setirostris completed its life cycle on T. ludeni within 27.5 ± 3.6 days comprised one larval and three nymphal stages. Whereas, the male attained maturity within 23.3 ± 2.1 days and had one larval and two nymphal stages. The maximum 87% prey consumption was recorded during the oviposition period (44.6 ± 12.8) days with an average fecundity of 132.4 ± 40.6 eggs. The total mortality during development period of this predator was 80% which included 48% larval mortality.