Tests of host plant suitability of the tea pink mite, Acaphylla theae (Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae), at different temperatures

The tea pink mite, Acaphylla theae (Watt) were reared at five temperatures (18°C, 22°C, 26°C, 30°C and 34°C) in the laboratory. Tea (Camellia sinensis O. Ktze), Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica L.) and oiltea camellia (Camellia oleifera Abel.) were tested for host preference of the mite. The durations of the different immature stages, adult's longevity and fecundity under each temperature were observed. Their differences were compared and analyzed. The mite only lived on the leaves of tea. It could not complete the whole generation on either Japanese camellia or oiltea camellia. Most of the mites died when they developed to nymph I, however some mites could grow until nymph 11 on Japanese camellia. A few eggs hatched on oiltea camellia at 26°C. It is clear that tea is the only suitable host for the tea pink mite and its scientific name should be Acaphylla theae (Watt).