Phototactic behavior and oviposition of seven species of Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata)

Abstract BACKGROUND Phototactic behavior and oviposition site selection in phytoseiid predators are crucial for understanding their ecological interactions and optimizing their use in agricultural pest management. This study investigated the phototactic responses and oviposition preferences of seven phytoseiid species of proven or potential importance in biocontrol: Amblydromalus limonicus (Garman & McGregor), Amblyseius herbicolus (Chant), Amblyseius lentiginosus Denmark and Schicha, Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes, Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans), Neoseiulus womersleyi (Schicha), and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot. We hypothesized that these phytoseiid predators use light as a cue, with their phototactic behavior aligning with their respective lifestyles. RESULTS By presenting adults of these species with two choices ( i.e. light and dark) in acrylic arenas, we found that P. persimilis exhibited a significant preference for light. In contrast, other species showed no phototactic preference. The phototactic preferences were similar between genders of all six sexually reproducing species tested in this study. Furthermore, the oviposition site preferences varied significantly among species. Gravid females of As. herbicolus , N. cucumeris , N. womersleyi , and P. persimilis preferred dark sites for egg laying, whereas Ad. limonicus and As. lentiginosus showed no light preference, and N. barkeri preferred light for oviposition. CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of light as an ecological factor influencing phytoseiid behavior and suggests that phototactic and oviposition preferences are adaptations to specific environmental niches. These findings have practical implications for enhancing the effectiveness of phytoseiids in pest management. Further research should investigate the mechanisms driving phototactic responses and light perception in these phytoseiid predators. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.