Functional response and life table analysis of Orius vicinus (ribaut) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) feeding on Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract Background Biological parameters of Orius vicinus (Ribaut) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) on the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), were investigated using two-sex age–stage life table analysis. The functional response to different mite stages and prey preference of O. vicinus was also determined. Results The egg hatching ratio of O. vicinus was 94.8%, with a mean egg hatching time of 4.07 days. The total nymph development time was 17.6 days, with a 75.7% survival rate. Female and male lifespans averaged 15.3 and 12.5 days, respectively. According to life table parameters, the preoviposition time (APOP) was 4.39 days, the total preoviposition time (TPOP) was 21.85 days, and the oviposition period was 7.2 days. The intrinsic rate of increase ( r ) was 0.095 days −1 , the finite rate of increase ( λ ) was 1.1 days −1 , the net reproductive rate ( R₀ ) was 12.04 eggs/offspring, fecundity ( F ) was 31.28 eggs/female, and the mean generation time ( T ) was 26 days. Functional response analysis revealed a type III functional response to T. urticae eggs and a type II to other stages. Conclusion The adult stage of T. urticae was the most preferred prey, while eggs were the least preferred. These findings indicated that O. vicinus can complete its life cycle and sustain its population on T. urticae , demonstrating its potential as an effective biological control agent.