Ecological response of Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Laelapidae) to Dermanyssus gallinae (Dermanyssidae)

This study aimed to evaluate the predation potential of Stratiolaelaps scimitus feeding on different stages of Dermanyssus gallinae (egg, immature and adult), under laboratory conditions. Stratiolaelaps scimitus showed a high survival rate, demonstrting that D. gallinae serves as adequate food for its development. It was observed that S. scimitus presented a fecundity rate of 11.70±1.20 eggs/female in an average period of 31.2±3.90 days, with the offspring demonstrating egg viability of 97.37%. Prepre-oviposition was 8.59±0.61 days, oviposition 31.17±3.86 days and post-oviposition 8.59±0.61 days. In this study, S. scimitus increased the net reproduction rate (Ro) about 8.53 times every 37.27 days (T=37.27.), corresponding to a daily population growth of 1.04 (λ = 01.04), and a production of 58 females/female/day (rm=58). The population doubling time (DT) was 11.89 days. Stratiolaelaps scimitus in this study developed and reproduced by feeding exclusively on D. gallinae. This predator is more efficient or prefers the immature phase of D. gallinae, followed by the adult and, to a lesser extent, the egg. Eggs may not provide the necessary nutrition for the predator, and adults, being nearly twice the size of the predator, may not be as easy to capture. Stratiolaelaps scimitus demonstrated to be able to control D. gallinae.