What factors influence the plasticity of a facultative feeding larval predator Amblydromalus limonicus (Garman and McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae)?

This study explores the factors influencing larval prey consumption in the facultative-feeding predatory mite Amblydromalus limonicus (Garman and McGregor) (Acari: Mesostigmata), an important species in biological control systems. While feeding is not essential for larval development into protonymphs, understanding the factors that modulate larval feeding behaviour is crucial for optimising pest management strategies. We examined the effects of three factors on larval feeding behaviour of A. limonicus: prey availability (5 versus 20 prey eggs), conspecific presence without direct physical contact (yes or no), and maternal dietary history (abundant or restricted). Under controlled laboratory conditions, we observed that female larvae consumed significantly more prey than males, and increased prey availability resulted in higher consumption rates. However, conspecific presence did not affect feeding behaviour. Although maternal diet influenced egg size, with larger eggs produced by well-fed mothers, it did not directly affect larval prey consumption. These findings highlight the role of sex and prey availability in shaping larval feeding behaviour of A. limonicus. Future research should investigate these dynamics under field conditions and across different prey species to enhance our understanding of predator-prey interactions and improve biological control applications.