Effect of food type on biology and life table parameters on Blattisocius keegani (Fox) (Acari: Blattisociidae)

This study assessed the impact of four diet sources on the biological performance and life-table parameters of the predatory mite Blattisocius keegani. The evaluated diets included castor-bean pollen Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae), eggs of the stored-product moth Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Gelechiidae), the acarid mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acaridae), and the dried fruit mite Carpoglyphus lactis (L.) (Carpoglyphidae). Comparative analyses of developmental duration, survival, fecundity, and population growth metrics were conducted to determine the diet that best supports predator performance. The results demonstrated that the type of food had a significant effect on the developmental duration, reproductive performance, longevity, and population growth of B. keegani. Females developed fastest and showed the greatest reproductive success when fed C. lactis, with the shortest immature duration (5.90 days), highest fecundity (33.20 eggs/female), and longest life span. Conversely, castor bean pollen produced the slowest development (7.50±0.75 days) and lowest fecundity (24.20 eggs/female). For males, developmental duration was also shortest on C. lactis and T. putrescentiae, while the longest life span occurred on C. lactis (24.82 days). Life table parameters further confirmed C. lactis as the most suitable diet, producing the highest intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and net reproductive rate (Ro), along with superior survival percentages. In contrast, castor bean pollen resulted in the lowest values for growth and reproduction. The results clearly demonstrate that C. lactis is the most suitable nutritional source for B. keegani, followed by T. putrescentiae, whereas S. cerealella eggs and castor bean pollen are less favorable diets.